BIOMECHANICS RESEARCH CONCEPT INVENTORY

Abstract

A pilot study of a test of biomechanics research concepts appropriate for advanced undergraduate and master’s courses was conducted. Students in a master’s biomechanics course (n = 14) took a 30 question Biomechanics Research Concept Inventory (BRCI) the first and last day of the course. The BRCI tested six research concepts areas and several prerequisites from introductory biomechanics. The students entered the class with 42% mastery of prerequisite concepts. Post-course scores significantly improved by a modest 50 percent from pre-course values. The BRCI indicated the largest apparent improvements were in the 2D kinematics, 2D kinetics, and in the reviewing and writing research reports concept areas. The BRCI has potential as a supplement to course grading for assessing learning of biomechanics research concepts.