Read the study and Answer questions relating to “Fitbits, field-tests, and grades: The effects of a healthy and physically active lifestyle on the academic performance of first year college students ”.
When and where was the study done, and what is the purpose of this study?
Is this research based on an observational study or a randomized experiment? How do you know?
What are the variables being measured (there are several)?
Who are the researchers? How are they connected to the sample/population being studied?
What is the sample being studied? Who were the individuals in the sample and how were they selected?
What population can this study be applied to? Does this study apply the findings to an appropriate population?
Summarize the researchers’ procedure for the study. Be specific and include as many details as possible.
What is the primary confounding variable mentioned in the “Discussion” section at the end of the article? How could this impact the study’s results?
The conclusion says that “academic performance…is significantly correlated with measures of physical activity, physical fitness, and a healthy lifestyle…” Does this mean physical activity causes students to do better academically? Why or why not?
Use answers to the questions above and your understanding of the study to describe any bias you see. This should include sampling bias, design bias, potential bias in the researchers who conducted the experiment, or any other areas that might be problematic in the study.
