Chapter - III

METHODOLOGY
 CHAPTER-III

METHODOLOGY

In this chapter the procedures adopted for the selection of

subjects, selection of variables, selection of test, pilot study, reliability

of the data instruments reliability, Testers competency and reliability of

test, subjects reliability, orientation of tests, test administration and the

statistical technique employed for computing norms have been

described.

3.1. SELECTION OF SUBJECTS

The purpose of this study was to asses the physical fitness and

constructs norms for the school children of Telangana, Rayalaseema and

Sarkar Regions of Andhra Pradesh. The data were collected from High

schools children each five hundred at random, and their age was ranged

from 15 and 16 years.

3.2. SELECTION OF VARIABLES

The investigator reviewed the available scientific literature

pertaining to the physical fitness from Books, Journals, Periodicals,

Magazines and Research papers. Resulting from the review of literature

the discussions with the experts and considering the feasibility criteria of
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the study, the following AAHPER youth physical fitness variables were

selected.

[Link]. Items Physical fltness variable

1 Pull-ups Arm/shoulder strength
2 Bent knee sit-ups (one minute) Abdominal/muscular
endurance
3 Shuttle run Agility
4 Standing broad jump Explosive power of leg
extensor muscles
5 50 Yard dash Speed
6 12 minutes run/walk Cardiovascular endurance

3.3. PILOT STUDY

The investigator has conducted a pilot study with hundred school

boys in order to know the practical difficulties in the administration of

test, to gain additional ideas, and approaches based on the experiences of

the pilot study, individual score sheet system was introduced to record

all the test resuhs as well as individual particulars. The system

minimized the time of recording and expenditure. A sense of

competition was also created in the minds of school boys.

3.4. CRITERION MEASURES

The selected tests were measured by the following units for

testing the hypothesis.

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1. To find out the shoulder/arm strength, pull-up test was conducted

and the scores were recorded in counts.

2. To find out the abdominal/muscular endurance, bent knee sit ups

was conducted for one minute and the number of correctly

performed sit ups in one minute was recorded.

3. To find out agility, 4x10 yards shuttle run was conducted and the

scores were recorded in one tenth of a seconds.

4. To find out the leg explosive power, standing broad jump was

conducted and the scores were recorded in centimeters.

5. To find out speed, fifty yards run was conducted by using stop

watch and scores were recorded in one tenth of a second.

6. l o find out endurance, 12 minutes run and walk test was

conducted and the scores were recorded in metres.

3.5. RELIABILITY OF DATA

The reliability of the data was ensured by establishing the

instruments reliability, tester's competency and reliability of the test and

the subject reliability.

3.5.1. Instrument Reliability

The stopwatches and measuring tapes used for tests were

considered reliable as they were procured from reputed firms and were
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used for research purpose. Further these instruments had been cahbrated

in standard units.

To determine the reHability of instruments, the measurement on

each of the variable were recorded five times under similar conditions

using the same instrument and the scores obtained were the same and

also the scores were compared with other scores taken from the

instruments procured from other reputed firms. Thus they were accepted

reliable and precise for the purpose of this study.

3.5.2. Subject Reliability

The intra class coefficient of correlation indicated subjects

reliability as the same subjects were used under similar conditions by the

same tester.

3.5.3. Tester's Competency and Reliability of Test

The test competency was assumed together with the reliability of

the tests. Reliability of the tests concerning physical measurement refers

to the consistance with which a particular test measure. In such test is a

simple and accurate method of determining agreement of scores. The

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reliability of the test for the present investigation was established

through test-retest method.

With the physique of the subject a sample of 10 students were

selected at random from different schools. Test was conducted on

consecutive days for the six different items (pull ups, bent knee sit ups,

shuttle run, standing broad jump, 50 mts run, 12 minutes run and walk).

The intra class co-efficient of correlation is presented in Table I.

TABLE - 1

RELIABILITY CO-EFFICIENT OF CORRELATION

FOR TEST-RETEST

Co-efficient
[Link]. Variable No of Subject
correlation
1 Shoulder strength 10 0.91
2 Abdominal strength 10 0.98
3 Agility 10 0.97
4 Power 10 0.96
5 Speed 10 0.90
6 Endurance 10 0.96

* Table Value at 0.05 level is 0.89.

Henry 1:. Garret. Statistics of psycholoev and Education. (Bombay ; Vakils Felger
and Simons private Limited' I960). P.277.
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3.5.4. Subject Reliability

The above test retest co-efficient of correlation also indicated the

subject reliability because the same tester used the same subjects under

similar conditions. No motivational techniques were used at the time of

testing.

3.6. ORIENTATION OF TESTER

This study includes a wide range of sampling schools for the

collection of data. It was beyond the capacity of the investigator to

collect data individually therefore some helpers were approached to

collect data by administrating the already mentioned tools. These

helpers were qualified physical education teachers from Telangana,

Rayalaseema and Sarkar Regions of Andhra Pradesh. They were trained

to collect the data and administer the tools before the administration of

test. The subjects were given a chance to practice the prescribed test

items and know exactly what was to be done.

3.7. TESTING PROCEDURES - AAHPER YOUTH PHYSICAL

FITNESS TEST

This test was devised by American Association of Health,

Physical Education and Recreation (AAHPER in Washington).

AAHPER youth physical fitness test consists of six test items. The tests

were posted at each station to record the scores. The subjects were
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given clear instructions to cover all the administration of tests. The

subjects were divided into small groups and the order to take the test

was fixed randomly. The test items were administered as described

below.

3.7.1. Pull - Ups

Procedure

The purpose of this test was to measure arm, and shoulder

strength.

Facilities and Equipment

1. Horizontal bar

2. Score sheet

Description of the test

A horizontal bar, approximately one and half inches in diameter

and high enough so that the subject could hang of the floor with his arms

and legs fully extended was used. The subjects jumped up and gripped

the bar with his palms facing away from his body (the forward hand

grip). From this hanging position at the signal "start" he pulled himself

up until his chin was even with his hands then lowered himself until his

arms were straight. Kick, jerk or hip motion were not permitted. Half

counts were recorded of the subjects did not pull all the way up, if he did
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not straightened his arms completely when lowering the body or if he

kicked, jerked on hip in performing the movement. Only 4 half counts

were permitted and after that there were no more half credits for partial

performance. The examiner counted the number of pull-ups allowed to

the student each time when he lowered himself fiilly.

Scoring

One point was scored each time when the subject completed one

pull-up. Only one trial was permitted. The number of pull-ups were

counted and recorded.^

3.7.2. Sit - Ups (one minute)

Purpose

To assess abdominal strength and muscular endurance.

Facilities and Equipment

1. Mat

2. Stopwatch

3. Score sheet

Allan Stall. "Encyclopedia of physical Education fitness. Sports Training.

en\ ironment and Nutrition" (Sell Lakecity : Brighten Publishing Company. 1980) P.4I8.
 72

Description of the Test

The subjects were asked to take a supine lying position on the

mat, knees bent to an angle less than 90^ and hand elapsed behind the

neck. The ankles were hold firmly on the ground by a partner to perform

the sit-ups, the subject to perform the sit-ups, the subject lifted his trunk,

head and elbows forward in a curl-up motion, elbows touching the

knees, and then lowered his trunk touching the mat with his elbows. The

same was done continuously without pause for one minute. Number of

correctly executed sit-ups were recorded as his performance.

To facilitate counting and recording, the subject were paired. One

subject performed the sit-ups with his partner and counted. After the

score was recorded the subjects interchanged their positions.

Rules

1. The stopwatch was checked as soon as the subject took the lying

position.

2. Fingers are inter locked and kept in touch with the back of the

neck all the times.

3. No sit-ups was counted if the subject failed to do in according to

the above description.

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Scoring

One point was scored for each correct sit-up. The score was the

maximum number of sit-up completed in 60 seconds.

3.7.3. Shuttle Run (4x10 yards)

Purpose

To assess speed and agihty.

Facilities and Equipments

An area and two block of woods 2x2x4 inches, stop watch, score

sheet, steel measuring tape and chunnam powder.

Testing Personnel

Ihree trained testers administered this test. One tester acted as

starter, second tester acted as recorder and third tester acted as counter.

Description

Two parallel lines were marked on the floor 30 feet apart. Two

wooden blocks were placed behind one of these lines. The subject was

asked to start behind the other line after the signal to run and pick up the

block one by one from the starting line, and then to place it behind the

starting line. To eliminate the necessity of returning the blocks after

' Ibid. p. 416.

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each race, races were started alternately first from behind one line and

then behind the other line.

Rules

1. Two trails were allowed with some rest in between.

2. At the signal 'ready go' run as fast as he could to the next line

and pick up the block.

3. They were advised not to throw.

Scoring

The score was the elapsed time recorded in seconds and one tenth

of seconds for the better of 2 trials.

3.7.4. Standing Broad Jump

Purpose

To measure the explosive power of leg extensor muscles.

Facilities and Equipments

Outdoor jumping pit, measuring steel tape, score sheet, marking

chunnam.

'ibid. f\417.
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Testing Personnel

Three trained testers were allotted to administer this test. One

recorder and other two testers measured the performance of each subject

carefully.

Description

The subject was asked to stand apart comfortable and toes were

placed just the behind take of line. For the preparation of jumping, the

subject was instructed to swing his arms backward and knee bent when

the jump was executed. He was asked to extend the knees, swing the

arms and push against the surface simuhaneously.

Rules

1. The subject should stand just behind the take off line.

2. Take off and landing should be on both feet simultaneously.

3. Double jumping on the spot before take off was not allowed.

Scoring

The Score was the distance between the take off line and the

nearest point where any part of the subjects body touched the floor. The

best of the three trials was recorded.^

^Ibid. P.4I8.
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3.7.5. 50 Yards Dash

Purpose

To assess speed.

Facilities and Equipments

An area, two stop watches, marking powder, score sheet etc.

Testing Personnel

Three trained testers were allowed to administer this test.

Description oftiie Test

The test was administered for two subjects at a time. Subjects

took a position behind the starting line. The starter used the commands

'ready go' the latter was accompanied by a downward sweep at the

starters arm to give a visual signal to the timers who stood at the

finishing line.

Rules

1. The subject should not get started before the command is

given.

2. The score is the amount of time between the starters signal

and the instant the subject crossed the finishing line.

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Scoring

The Score was elapsed time to the nearest one tenth of a second

between the starting signal and the instant the subject crossed the finish

line.^

3.7.6. 12 minutes Run / Walk

Purpose

To measure the cardio respiratory endurance.

Facilities and Equipments

400 meters Track, stopwatches, score sheet, marking white

powder.

Testing Personnel

Eight trained testers were allotted to administer the test. One

tester acted as starter. Six testers operated the stopwatches and another

tester recorded the performance.

Description of the Test

Subjects used standing start. At the signal 'ready go' the subjects

started running. When the 12 minutes were elapsed, a long whistle was

'MbidP.4l9.
 78

blown and the subject stopped running and sat on the spot. Finally the

researcher recorded the total distance ran by the subjects in metres.

Rules

1. Walking was permitted but the subjects was to cover the

distance in the shortest possible time.

2. The subjects were not allowed to start before the signal.

3. The subjects were allowed to overtake one another.

Scoring

Score was recorded in metres.

3.8. STATISTICAL TECHNIQUES EMPLOYED

The following statistical procedures were followed to assess the

physical fitness of school children.

i. Hull Scale was used to assess the physical fitness of

school children,

ii. Norms were constructed to know the level of fitness

Sfd
Mean (m) = AM + X i
N
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Where, M = Mean

AM = Assumed mean

E Summation

F Frequency

D Deviation

Size of the class interval

N Number of Scores

Efd
Standard Deviation^ = i
N

Where

Standard Deviation

i Size of the class interval

fd frequency deviation

I Summation

N Number of scores

After calculating the mean and standard deviation (a), the scores

were converted in to Hull scale. The hull scale computed by the

following way.

Hull Scale = 3.5 x a/50

' [bid. -
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Where a = standard deviation multiply the standard deviation by

3.5 and divide by 50 and serially add and subtract from the mean.

Hull scale is made up to 3.5 standard deviation on either side of

the mean.

Consecutively add the hull scale value to the mean for

determining points 51 to 100 on the 0 to 100 scale and consecutively

subtract the hull scale value from the mean for determining assigned

value from up to 0 pomt.

Stall. [Link]. p.36.