M3- Explain the measures taken to ensure validity and reliability during the practical investigation
In the P6 task, I was involved in an exercise practical. The purpose of this practical task which
involved taking body measurements before and after exercise was to see how homeostasis works
and takes place in the body’s systems. The investigation was particularly aimed at what happens to
breathing rate, heart rate and body temperature before and after the exercise had taken place.
In my previous task, I found out what the expected ‘norms’ are for homeostasis for the
cardiovascular system. I then put my practical results findings into a table including my breathing
rate, heart rate and body temperature before exercise, immediately after exercise and 5 minutes
after exercise. I then explained the changes that occurred, why they occurred and how the results
differ. Throughout the practical, I ensured my results were accurate by taking a range of measures
before with calibrated and fully functioning equipment.
Using the same pieces of equipment, I measured my rates again having carried out the exercise. I
will now explain the measures I took prior to exercise and after exercise to ensure that my results
from the practical investigation were valid and accurate.
Measuring my breathing rate
The first measure I carried out involved measuring my breathing and pulse rate. Prior to taking my
breathing rate to ensure my results were accurate I firstly allowed time to practice checking my
breathing to ensure I was breathing normally. While I took this measurement I sat down as this
allowed me to measure my breathing rate accurately and gave me a more reliable reading than if I
was to be standing up. After when I was ready to count my breathing I ensured I positioned myself in
front of a clock ready to count the time. I then proceeded to count my breaths for 30 seconds then
multiplying it by two to see my breaths per minute. Immediately after exercise I then measured my
breathing rate again. This time I sat back down and followed the exact process previously to ensure
my test was fair. I again counted my breaths for 30 seconds multiplying it by two whilst sitting down.
Lastly, I then measured my breathing rate 5 minutes after exercise. Like before when measuring I sat
facing the clock and started to count my breathing when the minute hand reached the 12 until 30
seconds passed, then multiplying it by 2 to find my breaths per minute.
Measuring my pulse rate
Firstly, before measuring my pulse I sat down and allowed myself time to find my pulse located in
my wrist. Then I practised taking my pulse to ensure I could feel my pulse correctly before taking
measurements. After, I found my pulse I counted the number of beats for 30 seconds then
multiplying it by two to see my beats per minute. Immediately after exercise I then measured my
pulse again. To ensure my test was fair and my results were as accurate as possible I sat down again
and located my pulse in my wrist. Then I carried out the same process as before counting the
number of beats for 30 seconds and multiplying it by two after. Lastly, I then measured my pulse 5
minutes after exercise. When measuring this time, I sat down and located my pulse, then measuring
the number of beats again for 30 seconds and multiplying it by 2.
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