An investigation determining the effectiveness of physical fitness test scores as indicators of achievement in physical education class activities through the use of skill tests

Purpose: It was the purpose of this thesis to (1) administer a physical fitness test to seventh grade boys at Deer Park Junior High School; (2) administer three sports skill tests to the same group of boys; (3) calculate the correlation coefficient between the two test results; and (4) establish multiple regression equations for those factors found to be significantly correlated. Methods: The methods used to obtain data for this thesis were (1) testing seventh grade boys at Deer Park Junior High School; (2) examining and studying books and journals concerning the topic; and (3) using a digital computer to calculate the numerous findings in the study. Findings: From the evidence presented in this thesis the following finding were obtained: 1. The physical fitness test item, 50-yard dash, was significantly correlated to more skill test items than any other physical fitness test item by being significantly correlated to seven of the nine dependent variables. 2. The physical fitness test item, sit-up, was the second most significantly correlated variable. The sit-up was significantly correlated to five of the nine skill test items. 3. The push-up was significantly correlated to three of the nine skill test items. 4. The standing broad jump was significantly correlated to one of the nine skill test items. 5. The pull-up was not significantly correlated to any of the skill test items. 6. The physical fitness items—push-up, standing broad jump, and 50-yard dash—can best predict success in the football throw when applied to the multiple regression equation. 7. An individual’s time on the 50-yard dash and the number of sit-up he completes can be used to predict how far a person can kick a football when applied to the multiple regression equation. 8. The number of sit-ups a person does can be used to predict how fast an individual can run 50 yards with a football when applied to the multiple regression equation. 9. Of the fitness test items used, none can predict success on a total football skill test score. 10. The time on the 50-yard dash and the number of sit-ups an individual does can be used to predict the number of basketball field goals an individual will make when applied to the multiple regression equation. 11. The total points from the basketball accuracy throw test can be predicted from the number of push-ups a person does and his time on the 50-yard dash when applied to the multiple regression equation. 12. An individual’s score on a certain basketball dribble test can be predicted by using the number of sit-ups he does and his time on the 50-yard dash when applied to the multiple regression equation. 13. The distance an individual can throw a softball can be predicted by using his time on the 50-yard dash and the number of sit-ups he completes when applied to the multiple regression equation.