CPSS Applied Research Methods 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A CPSS practitioner compares VO2max values measured by a metabolic cart and a field test in the same athletes on the same day. This is an example of assessing which type of validity?
- Predictive validity
- Content validity
- Concurrent validity (Correct answer)
- Face validity
Correct answer: Concurrent validity
Concurrent validity is established when a new measure correlates with a gold-standard measure administered at the same time.
Question 2: In a crossover study design, what is the primary purpose of a washout period?
- To increase the sample size
- To eliminate carryover effects from the previous condition (Correct answer)
- To randomize participant assignment
- To improve blinding procedures
Correct answer: To eliminate carryover effects from the previous condition
A washout period allows the effects of the first treatment to dissipate before participants receive the next condition, preventing carryover bias.
Question 3: Which measure of central tendency is most resistant to the influence of extreme outliers?
- Mean
- Variance
- Median (Correct answer)
- Standard deviation
Correct answer: Median
The median is resistant to outliers because it reflects the middle score rather than the arithmetic average of all scores.
Question 4: A sport scientist uses GPS data from an entire season to analyze training load patterns without manipulating any variables. This describes which research approach?
- Experimental research
- Descriptive/observational research (Correct answer)
- Meta-analysis
- Single-subject design
Correct answer: Descriptive/observational research
Descriptive or observational research examines variables as they naturally occur without researcher manipulation.
Question 5: In hypothesis testing, a Type I error occurs when:
- A true null hypothesis is rejected (Correct answer)
- A false null hypothesis is not rejected
- Sample size is too small
- Effect size is overestimated
Correct answer: A true null hypothesis is rejected
A Type I error (false positive) is rejecting the null hypothesis when it is actually true, controlled by the alpha level.
Question 6: Which nonparametric test is the appropriate alternative to the independent samples t-test when data violate normality assumptions?
- Wilcoxon signed-rank test
- Mann-Whitney U test (Correct answer)
- Friedman test
- Kruskal-Wallis test
Correct answer: Mann-Whitney U test
The Mann-Whitney U test compares two independent groups without assuming normal distribution, making it the nonparametric equivalent of the independent t-test.
Question 7: When conducting a systematic review, PRISMA guidelines primarily govern which aspect of the reporting process?
- Statistical analysis procedures
- Transparent and complete reporting of search and selection methods (Correct answer)
- Participant recruitment strategies
- Data collection instrument design
Correct answer: Transparent and complete reporting of search and selection methods
PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) provides a checklist ensuring transparent reporting of the search, screening, and inclusion process.
CPSS Applied Research Methods 3
A CPSS practitioner compares VO2max values measured by a metabolic cart and a field test in the same athletes on the same day.
This is an example of assessing which type of validity?