Question 1

Which of the following relationships between a performance variable and the performance criterion is most difficult to linearise?

Accepted Answer

The inverse-U relationship is the most difficult to linearize as it starts with a slow increase in performance, accelerates rapidly, reaches a peak, and then rapidly declines as performance becomes worse. This type of relationship would require a complex mathematical transformation to linearize, whereas the other options (linear, quadratic, logarithmic) can more easily be transformed into a linear equation.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the restrictions on the generality of the results of a single-individual study?

Accepted Answer

A single-individual study involves gathering data from only one individual. As a result, the results of the study cannot be generalised to a larger population. The results are specific only to that individual, and cannot be applied to others.

Question 3

What statistical technique is normally used in the contrasting group approach to statistical modelling?

Accepted Answer

ANOVA (analysis of variance) is the statistical technique that is normally used in the contrasting group approach to statistical modelling. This approach involves comparing the mean values of different groups to determine if there are significant differences between them. ANOVA is specifically designed for comparing means of three or more groups, making it an appropriate technique for this approach.

Question 4

In multiple regression research designs, what is the minimum desirable number of trials per predictor variable often used as a rule-of-thumb?

Accepted Answer

The minimum desirable number of trials per predictor variable often used as a rule-of-thumb is 10. This ensures that there is enough data to adequately assess the relationship between the predictor variables and the outcome variable, and to avoid overfitting the model. However, the optimal number of trials per predictor variable may vary based on the specific research question and context.

Question 5

In multiple single-individual designs, which of the following would be an acceptable combination of trials and performers?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In multiple single-individual designs, which of the...

Question 6

Which of the following is the best approach to establishing critical features for a subjectively judged sport, such as gymnastics?

Accepted Answer

Using the judging criteria for the sport is the best approach to establishing critical features for a subjectively judged sport, such as gymnastics. This is because the judging criteria will provide the most relevant and specific information about what is considered important in the sport and what judges are looking for in performers. It is important to understand and adhere to the judging criteria in order to be successful in the sport.

Question 7

Which of these is one of the two basic rules of deterministic (or hierarchical) modelling)?

Accepted Answer

The two basic rules of deterministic (or hierarchical) modelling are:
1. The boxes in level 2 are, if possible, a sub-division of the performance criterion
2. All boxes on one level are dependent on the boxes on the level above. Therefore, option B is correct as it represents one of these two basic rules.

Question 8

Which data capture method is most widely used in research in quantitative biomechanical modelling?

Accepted Answer

Automatic marker-tracking systems are the most widely used method in research for quantitative biomechanical modelling. These systems use cameras and software to track markers placed on the body, allowing for accurate measurement of joint angles and movements. Force platforms and electromyography are often used in conjunction with marker tracking, but marker tracking is the primary method for capturing motion data. Manual coordinate digitising of video is not commonly used due to the time-consuming nature and potential for errors.

Question 9

Which of the following are possible limitations of non-systematic research designs?

Accepted Answer

Non-systematic research designs lack the structure and rigor of systematic designs, which can lead to an increased likelihood of Type I errors, misidentification of relationships between variables, and uncontrolled variables that can confound results. Therefore, all of these limitations are possible with non-systematic research designs.

Question 10

Which of the following best encapsulates the stages of comprehensive computer simulations?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive computer simulations typically involve several stages, starting with modelling, where the physical system or process is represented. Simulation follows, where the model is used to study the behavior under various conditions. Simulation evaluation is crucial for verifying and validating the simulation results. Finally, optimisation is performed to improve the system or process based on the simulation outcomes.

Question 11

Which of the following sets of possible javelin release parameters, in addition to release speed, was included in the study of Best et al. (1995)?

Accepted Answer

Best et al. (1995) included pitch, angle, and angle of attack as possible release parameters in their study.

Question 12

From figure 7.7 in the text, which of the following combinations of release angle and release angle of attack would give a throw of about 92.9 m?

Accepted Answer

The combination of release angle (31, -2), release angle of attack (32, -6), and release angle (33, -7) gives a throw of about 92.9 m.

Question 13

How did Best et al. (1995) evaluate their javelin flight model?

Accepted Answer

Best et al. (1995) evaluated their javelin flight model by using data from throws at the 1991 World Student Games, allowing them to compare the model's predictions with actual throw distances and conditions.

Question 14

Which of the following are explicitly contained in the simple schematic model of human muscle?

Accepted Answer

The simple schematic model of human muscle explicitly contains the contractile component, series elastic component (tendons), and parallel elastic component (endomysium, perimysium, and epimysium). Plastic components are not included in this model, and cross-bridges and sarcolemma are subcellular structures that are not explicitly part of the schematic model.

Question 15

What does PS represent in the triceps brachii model of Hatze (1981)?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What does PS represent in the triceps...

Question 16

Which of the following experimental observations were used in the study of Hatze (1981) to validate his model of the triceps brachii?

Accepted Answer

Hatze (1981) used constant maximum isometric torques at various muscle lengths, quasi-stationary torque outputs at various activation levels, and linearly increasing torque outputs to validate his model of the triceps brachii.

Question 17

Which of the following statements might explain the lack of use of Expert Systems in sports biomechanics compared to gait analysis?

Accepted Answer

All the provided options contribute to explaining why expert systems might be more utilized in gait analysis compared to sports biomechanics. Patient health implications in gait analysis attract funding, the high cost of clinicians encourages the use of expert systems to reduce costs, and the confined expert domain of gait analysis with many experts available makes it a suitable field for developing and applying expert systems.

Question 18

Which of the following statements best summarises the research done into movement coordination and variability using artificial neural networks?

Accepted Answer

The research suggests that movement coordination is individual-specific and variable from trial to trial, rather than conforming to a general optimum pattern or being repeated identically every time. Therefore, option B is the best summary. Option C is incorrect as it suggests that performers repeat their movements identically, which is contradicted by the variability in movement coordination observed in the research. Option D is also incorrect as the research does offer insights into movement coordination using neural networks.

Question 19

Which of the following statements best summarises the findings of Lamb et al. (2010) on basketball shooting?

Accepted Answer

Lamb et al. (2010) found that two out of the four players showed more similarity between the three-point throw and the hook shot than between the three-point shot and the free throw. Therefore, option A is the correct choice. Option B is incorrect because not all players showed most similarity between the three-point throw and the hook shot. Option C and D are also incorrect because the findings did not suggest that all players showed the most similarity between the three-point shot and the free throw or between the free throw and the hook shot.

Question 20

In their study of golf chipping, what did Lamb et al. (2011) find from the attractor landscapes of the four golfers they studied?

Accepted Answer

Lamb et al. (2011) found that the attractor landscapes differed significantly between individual players, indicating variability in how each golfer approached chipping at different distances.

Quiz 7: Performance Improvement Through Quantitative Biomechanical Models