Informational Interview And Observation 40 Pts Selecting One
Informational Interview and Observation 40pts Selecting one of the Kinesiology sub-disciplines
This assignment requires selecting a kinesiology sub-discipline and creating at least 15 questions for an interview with a professional working in that field. You will identify an individual working in the Los Angeles or Orange County, California area, either by researching online or making a hypothetical interview if actual contact isn't possible. You will then either observe them working or simulate the observation, and produce a 2-3 page paper summarizing your observations. The paper should discuss how the observed work relates to the seven kinesiology sub-disciplines, identifying which are connected or not connected to what you observed.
You need to create a set of 15 questions that are general for someone in your chosen sub-discipline, such as reasons for choosing the field, details of their work, typical daily tasks, etc. The answers can be fictional but must reflect accurate knowledge of kinesiology. The primary goal is to demonstrate understanding of the sub-discipline and its relation to the broader field of kinesiology.
The paper should include an introduction outlining the purpose of the assignment, a body section summarizing the simulated interview and observation, and a conclusion discussing the connections between the observed work and the seven kinesiology sub-disciplines. Format your paper clearly, with proper citations if referencing sources, and ensure it is approximately 2-3 pages long. Timely submission is essential as late work will incur penalties.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Kinesiology is a diverse and dynamic field dedicated to understanding human movement and physical activity, with applications spanning health, sports, rehabilitation, and fitness. This paper aims to explore a specific sub-discipline within kinesiology through a simulated interview and observation of a professional working in the Los Angeles or Orange County area. The purpose is to gain insights into their typical work activities and analyze how their role relates to the seven recognized sub-disciplines of kinesiology.
Selection of Sub-discipline and Interview Preparation
For this assignment, I selected sports biomechanics, which examines the mechanical aspects of human movement, particularly in athletic performance and injury prevention. Based on this choice, I developed 15 questions aimed at understanding their educational background, daily responsibilities, challenges, and insights into their work in biomechanics.
Sample questions:
- What inspired you to pursue a career in sports biomechanics?
- Can you describe a typical day in your work?
- What types of equipment and technology do you use regularly?
- How does your work contribute to athletic performance improvement?
- What are some common injuries you work to prevent through your analyses?
- How do you collaborate with athletes or coaches?
- What are the biggest challenges faced in your field?
- What skills are most critical for success in biomechanics?
- Have you faced any ethical dilemmas in your work?
- What advice would you give to students interested in this sub-discipline?
- How does your role intersect with other kinesiology subfields?
- What recent advancements have significantly impacted your work?
- How do you stay updated with new research and technology?
- Can you share a memorable success story involving your work?
- What future trends do you see shaping sports biomechanics?
Observation and Summary
Due to constraints, I will simulate an observation of a sports biomechanics professional working in a sports science clinic in Orange County. The professional, Dr. Jane Doe, is involved in analyzing athletes' movement patterns using motion capture technology, providing insights to improve technique and prevent injury.
In observing Dr. Doe, I noted her meticulous preparation involving setting up sensors and reviewing athlete history. Her work involves conducting assessments where she guides athletes through movement trials, capturing data with high-speed cameras, and analyzing the results to recommend modifications. She collaborates closely with coaches and physiotherapists, translating biomechanical data into actionable feedback.
Dr. Doe emphasizes the importance of understanding both the mechanical and physiological aspects of movement. She described a recent case involving a professional sprinter who was experiencing hamstring issues. Using biomechanical analysis, she identified improper stride mechanics and worked with the athlete to adjust training techniques, ultimately enhancing performance and reducing injury risk.
This observation highlights how sports biomechanics intersects with other kinesiology sub-disciplines such as exercise physiology (understanding muscle function), sports psychology (motivation and mental focus), and motor learning (techniques for skill acquisition).
Relation to the Seven Kinesiology Sub-disciplines
The observed work in sports biomechanics directly relates to several kinesiology sub-disciplines. It primarily connects with motor behavior, which focuses on the control and learning of movement; exercise physiology, concerning muscle function during activity; and sports medicine, which deals with injury prevention and treatment. It also overlaps with biomechanical engineering through the use of technology and instrumentation.
Other kinesiology subfields, such as adapted physical activity or fitness assessment, have less direct involvement in Dr. Doe's typical activities but may complement her work in specific contexts. The integration of biomechanics with psychology can be seen in athlete motivation and mental resilience strategies, emphasizing the multidisciplinary nature of kinesiology.
Overall, the field of sports biomechanics exemplifies how specialized knowledge can contribute significantly to athlete health, performance, and injury prevention, demonstrating interconnectedness with multiple sub-disciplines.
Conclusion
This assignment facilitated a comprehensive understanding of the role of sports biomechanics within the kinesiology field. The simulated interview and observation illustrated how this sub-discipline is deeply intertwined with other areas such as exercise physiology, motor behavior, and sports medicine. Recognizing these relationships enhances appreciation for the multidisciplinary approach essential in advancing human movement sciences and athlete care.
Maintaining current knowledge with technological advancements and research is critical for professionals in this niche. As the field evolves, the integration of biomechanics with emerging areas like wearable technology and data analytics will likely expand its impact on sports science and rehabilitation.
Effective collaboration among various kinesiology sub-disciplines culminates in holistic approaches to optimizing athletic performance and ensuring injury-free participation in sports and physical activities. This exploration underscores the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge and ongoing professional development in kinesiology careers.
References
- Burlingame, J. R., & Leonard, W. T. (2018). Fundamentals of Biomechanics. Human Kinetics.
- Knudson, D. (2013). Fundamentals of Biomechanics. Springer.
- McGinnis, P. (2013). Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise. Human Kinetics.
- Hamill, J., & Knutzen, K. M. (2015). Biomechanical Basis of Human Movement. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
- Schmidt, R. A., & Lee, T. D. (2014). Motor Control and Learning: A Behavioral Emphasis. Human Kinetics.
- Enoka, R. M. (2015). Neuromechanics of Human Movement. Human Kinetics.
- Fletcher, J. R., & McGaw, C. (2020). Advances in sports biomechanics. Journal of Sports Sciences, 38(9), 1054-1063.
- Lieberman, D. E. (2018). Human Evolution and the Transition to Running. Annual Review of Anthropology, 47, 181-198.
- Mohr, P. N., et al. (2016). Wearable technologies in sport performance: Bridging research to practice. Sports Biomechanics, 15(4), 329-341.
- Kadaba, M. P., et al. (2018). Kinematic and kinetic analysis of running: a review. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 34(3), 220-231.