What is the bleep test?

The bleep test is a recognised test. It is completed with the same protocols and procedures worldwide. A bleep test can be carried out over 15m or 20m. This test measures your V02 Max which is your level of stamina or CRE. It requires you to run continuously without stopping. You need to reach the line before the beep, if you miss two beeps in a row you are out. At the end of the test you will get a score. This score can be kept and compared to your own performance in future or to national averages (NORMS).

To complete this test you need; 

• A speaker

• The Bleep test app 

• Cones set out using a trundelwheel (20m apart)

• A partner to observe you

• A group of people to run with (this will aid motivation) 

Describe Questions @ Higher

Describe a method you used to gather information on the physical factor (4)

A method I used to collection information on the Physical Factor was the Bleep test. I completed this in the games hall with my class. We measured out 20m using a trundlewheel and put down cones. We setup a speaker with an iPad which had the bleep test app on it. When the test starts you have to run from one set of cones to the other before the next bleep. As the test goes on it goes up in levels and each beep gets faster meaning you have to move quickly. If you miss two beeps in a row you are out. I had a partner who stood at the side and observed whilst I ran ensuring I made the line each time. At the end of the test you get a score, my score was 10.1. I could then compare my scores to the table of NORMS my teacher provided me.  

Explain Questions @ Higher

At Higher – you may be asked why you selected a method of collecting information 

You may be asked why this method is suitable/reliable 

These two questions types are the same 

You may also be asked the challenges when completing this method of data collection and this is to do with what may make the information invalid or unreliable. 

Question - Explain why this method (Bleep test) is suitable when collecting information on Physical Factors (4) 

A reason why the Bleep test is suitable to collect information on Physical factors is it allows me to find out my strength and weaknesses in that factor. 

For example I scored 6.8 in week 1. This means I can create a PDP to improve on my CRE level over the next ten weeks. 

A second reason why the Bleep test is suitable to collect information on Physical factors is it allows me keep this method as a permanent record. 

For example if  I complete my Bleep test in week 1 of my programme and I keep it I can use this a baseline to compare back to. This means I can keep the Bleep test and compare back to it during my PDP to see if it working and if I am improving on my weakness

A third reason why the Bleep test is suitable to collect information on Physical factors as I know the score is accurate. For example I measured out the 20m cones with a trundle wheel. 

This means I know my score is accurate and valid.

A final reason why the Bleep test is suitable to collect information on Physical factors is it allows me to set goals and targets. For example, I can easily work out my score and set short term/ long term targets to improve my performance in the Bleep test and use this method again in future to see if I am meeting my goals.

Question - Explain the challenges you faced using this method (Bleep test) when collecting accurate/reliable information on Physical Factors (3) 

A challenge I faced when completing a Bleep test was not completing this with others.

For example, I completed this test on my own and didn’t run as part of a group. 

This meant as I got tired I dropped out as I nobody else to motivate me, this meant my score was lower and not a accurate reflection of my CRE level. 

A second challenge I faced when completing a Bleep test was not measuring the distance between the markers. For example I just placed down two cones and did not measure the distance. 

This meant my cones were closer together than the required 20m meaning my score was higher than it should have been giving me unreliable information. 

A third challenge I faced when completing a Bleep test was not completing it on a flat dry surface. For example, I completed this outside on the astroturf after it had been raining. This meant on several occasions when pushing off from the line I stumbled and nearly fell meaning I had to sprint faster to get to the other line, expending more energy and not being able to move as quickly which led to my score being lower.

Evaluate Questions

At Higher – you may be asked to evaluate the effectiveness or suitable of a method of collecting information 

For this question you need to think about reasons why the Bleep test may be effective or ineffective. This is the same reasons as before. 

You must include a judgement in your answer. 

Use terms such as ‘effective’, ‘ineffective’, ‘useful’, ‘helpful’, ‘beneficial’ or ‘limited’ to show the marker you are making a judgement.

Question – Evaluate how effective this method was for collecting data on Physical Factors (3) 

The Bleep test is an effective method to collect data on Physical factors as it allows me keep this method as a permanent record. 

For example if  I complete my Bleep test in week 1 of my programme and I keep it I can use this a baseline to compare back to. This means I can keep the Bleep test and compare back to it during my PDP to see if it working and if I am improving on my weakness

The Bleep test is an effective method to collect data on Physical factors as I know the score is accurate. For example I measured out the 20m cones with a trundle wheel. 

This means I know my test is setup correctly and my score is accurate and valid.

The Bleep test can be ineffective if not completing this with others.

For example, I completed this test on my own and didn’t run as part of a group. 

This meant as I got tired I dropped out as I nobody else to motivate me, this meant I gave up and my score was lower and not a accurate reflection of my CRE level. 

Analyse Questions @ Higher

Question – Analyse how suitable this method was for collecting data on Physical factors (4) 

It is important when completing a Bleep test that you complete it with other people. 

This means I am motivated to push myself and keep up with others especially when I start to tire. 

This leads to me gathering reliable data which is an accurate reflection of my CRE level. 

It is important that you measure the distance between the cones. 

This means I know the cones are exactly 20m apart. 

This leads to me gathering accurate and valid data on Physical factors which I can then compare to NORMS. 

It is important that you complete the bleep test with a coach observing. 

This means I have a coach watching to see if I miss two beeps in a row. 

This leads to the coach being able to tell me to stop if I miss two beeps in a row and allowing me gather valid data on my CRE.

It is important when completing a Bleep test that you complete it on a flat dry surface. 

This means I will not slip or hurt myself when turning quickly as the test progresses. 

This leads to me being able to put in my best effort and find out my CRE level.