Measurement Theory and Practice in Kinesiology

by Terry M. Wood, Weimo Zhu

Simple, yet sophisticated, Measurement Theory and Practice in Kinesiology is presented without the need to work through rigorous equation sets. The text appeals to a broad readership interested in measurement. Researchers and students can fathom the conceptual basis for topical measurement techniques and their application, and they are exposed to measurement issues in various physical activity fields. The text grounds readers in measurement basics in an easy-to-understand fashion and is for non-measurement specialists who deal with measurement in various physical activity fields. But it goes beyond simple. It takes full advantage of the advances in computer technology and programming to offer an array of advanced test construction and modeling methodologies to researchers and practitioners. And it describes new methods in handling both large and small data sets. Measurement Theory and Practice in Kinesiology provides a contemporary reference on measurement issues. The authors take both a broad and focused look at measurement issues in the physical domain. Readers learn about the tools that can facilitate their more advanced work, particularly with regard to statistical techniques, and learn practical applications in areas such as educational assessment and preemployment physical testing. The book is divided into four parts. Part I introduces readers to measurement basics, including validity, reliability, and test construction. Part II explores current issues in measurement, including ethical issues, computerized adaptive testing, item bias, and scaling and equating measures. Part III focuses on advanced statistical techniques, including analysis of large and small data sets, analysis of longitudinal data, and structural equation modeling and its applications. In part IV , the authors look at measurement in practice, current issues in physical education, measurement of physical activity, measurement issues in the clinical setting, epidemiology and physical activity, and preemployment physical testing. With this simple yet sophisticated approach, Measurement Theory and Practice in Kinesiology can be used by students in graduate-level introductory measurement courses or as a reference by researchers and clinicians in the allied health professions.

440 pages, Hardcover

First published May 15, 2006