Biology

For my IB Biology (HL) Internal Assessment, I investigated the research question: To what extent do different workout routines influence the vertical jump of high school female volleyball players? My experiment focused on analyzing the physiological effects of various types of training on lower-body explosive power. Participants were divided into six groups: control (no training), plyometrics, weightlifting, cardio, conditioning, and stretching. Each experimental group followed a targeted routine over a set time period while the control group maintained regular activity without additional workouts.

To assess the impact of each workout type, I measured vertical jump height before and after the intervention, using standardized testing methods. I then compared each experimental group to the control using hypothesis testing. For each pair (e.g., control vs. plyometrics), I set up a null hypothesis stating that changes in vertical jump height would occur in a 1:1 ratio and any variation would be due to chance. The alternative hypothesis proposed a statistically significant difference in outcomes. This investigation allowed me to explore how specific physiological adaptations—such as muscle fiber recruitment, neuromuscular coordination, and flexibility—contribute to performance outcomes in sports. The project blended practical experimentation with biological theory, offering real-world insight into exercise science and athletic training.