Kinesmetrics Laboratory

Knowledge Basis and Theoretical Foundation of Kinesmetrics

Measurement Theory:

Any well-developed test or measure is based on a measurement theory model. The procedures for estimating the key characteristics of the test or measure, such as validity and reliability, are dictated by the model. Each model has a unique set of assumptions and is based on a statistical or mathematical model. The science of developing tests and measurement procedures has become highly sophisticated and has developed into a large body of knowledge and understanding. Mathematical and statistical theories that are used to derive these procedures are referred to as measurement theories. Classical test theory and item response theory are two familiar examples of such theories.

Statistical/Mathematical Methods:

The statistical method is one of the mathematical methods, as well as the most important scientific approaches, which are used to assist researchers in describing/ modeling data, drawing inferences to larger bodies of data, and studying causal relationships. According to their purposes, statistical methods can be classified as descriptive or inferential statistics; according to their characteristics, they can also be classified as parametric or nonparametric, univariate or multivariate statistics, etc. ANOVA, correlation, discriminant function analysis, regression, and structural equating modeling are just a few examples of a hOctober 26, 2007

Research design refers to the methods that are developed for the discovery and confirmation of causal relationships among variables. Besides covering the general knowledge of experiments, such as single-factor, factorial, multifactoral, balanced lattice and incompleted-block designs, it includes other important issues or topics involved in designing a study, such as sampling, research procedures, selecting subjects, and principles of analyzing data and reporting results.

Data Characteristics/Measurement Issues in a Subdiscipline:

Kinesiology is a multidisciplinary study of human movements and its major subdisciplines include physical education, exercise science, sports nutrition, physical activity epidemiology, biomechanics, exercise and sports psychology, motor behavior, athletic training, sport history, sport sociology, and sports administration, etc. Data characteristics and measurement issues are often different from one subdicipline to another. For example, many data collected in physical education are clustered in a hierarchical structure and many measures in exercise science experiments are taken repeatedly. To appropriately analyze these data, a good understanding of the nature of these characteristics and issues is needed.

Legal and Ethical Issues of Measurement and Research:

Decisions made, based on a test or measure, and the results of a research study will have a consequence on people's lives. To make sure a test is fairly designed and a research study is conduct ethically, basic knowledge about legal and ethical issues related to measurement and research practice is essential.

Computer/Technology:

Computer and technology have changed our lives, as well as our measurement practices. General knowledge of computer hardware and software, measurement and statistical software are necessary to any Kinesmetricians. A good understanding of the latest technologies and their potential to improve our measurement practices is also essential.