Presenting and Interpreting Data Against Normative Values

From numbers to meaning

In PE you collect a lot of data: test scores, times, heart rates. On its own a number like "34 sit-ups" means little. The skill is to present it clearly, interpret it, and evaluate it. The key is comparing a result against normative data: published values that tell you whether a score is good, average or poor. This module builds that skill on real PE examples.

The data words

Four ideas run through this whole topic:

Match each way to present data

Choose the graph

You want to show how an athlete's heart rate changes minute by minute during a run. Which is best?

• A line graph
• A pie chart
• A bar chart
• A table only

Plot the training data

A runner recorded their weekly distance: 2 km in week 1 and 4 km in week 2. In week 3 they ran 6 km. Plot the point for week 3.

Quantitative and qualitative

PE uses two kinds of data, and good analysis often needs both.

Work out the mean

A student measured their resting heart rate on four mornings: 70, 72, 68 and 70 bpm. Calculate the mean resting heart rate. Give your answer in bpm.

Judging against normative data

A number only becomes useful when you compare it to normative data: a published table that rates results by age and sex. You find the score in the table and read off its rating. For example, a table might rate a test as: 40 or more excellent, 30 to 39 good, 20 to 29 average, below 20 poor. A score of 34 would be rated good. The table is always given to you; your job is to read and evaluate it.

Interpret the graph

A line graph shows an athlete's heart rate rising during exercise and falling back afterwards. Select the TWO correct interpretations.

• Heart rate increased during the exercise
• Heart rate recovered after the exercise stopped
• Heart rate stayed exactly the same throughout
• Heart rate was highest while resting

Data skills in words

Data made of numbers, like a time in seconds, is _____ data, while a coach's written description is _____ data. To show how heart rate changes over time you would draw a _____. To judge a student's fitness score you compare it against a _____ table. A score that is much higher than the average is a _____ for that student.

Read the normative table

A sit-up test is rated by this table: 40 or more excellent, 30 to 39 good, 20 to 29 average, below 20 poor. A student scores 34. Tap the TWO correct statements.

• The result is rated good
• The score is above the average band
• The result is rated poor
• The score is in the excellent band
• The student scored below average

Evaluate a result

Put the steps for evaluating a fitness-test result against normative data in order.

• Carry out the fitness test and record the score
• Find the correct normative table for age and sex
• Locate the score in the table to read its rating
• Judge whether it is a strength or a weakness
• Decide what to train to improve

Rate the results

Use the given rating table to judge each result: 50 or more excellent, 40 to 49 good, 30 to 39 average, below 30 poor.

• A student scores 45 on the test. Using the table, what is their rating?
• Their score of 45 is below the excellent band. What does this tell them?
• A team-mate scores 28 on the same test. Using the table, how is 28 rated?

Interpret and evaluate

A student scores 32 on a test rated by this table: 40 or more excellent, 30 to 39 good, 20 to 29 average, below 20 poor. Interpret and evaluate their result. Write in clear, full sentences.

• State the score and its rating from the given table
• Compare the score with the average band
• Say whether this is a strength or a weakness for the student
• Suggest what they should train to improve