How do you plan, conduct and communicate the external Investigation that links a focus-area concept to physical activity performance?
Design and conduct the 30 percent external Investigation: frame a question, gather and analyse evidence, and communicate findings about a focus-area concept.
How to plan and conduct the 30 percent external Investigation: framing a focused question, gathering and analysing valid evidence, and communicating findings that link a focus-area concept to performance.
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What this dot point is asking
You must design and conduct the external Investigation by framing a question, gathering and analysing evidence, and communicating findings about a focus-area concept.
What the Investigation is
The Investigation is the only external component of the subject and is worth 30 percent. It is marked by the SACE Board against the performance standards, on a scale that rewards investigation design, analysis and communication. Crucially, it is a research-based task rather than a written examination, so there is no end-of-year exam in this subject.
Step 1: frame a focused question
A strong Investigation starts with a clear, answerable question that links a concept from the focus areas to physical activity performance or participation.
- Make it specific and measurable, not broad (compare "How does the type of practice affect netball passing accuracy in beginners?" with "How do you get better at netball?").
- Choose a concept you understand well, such as a training principle, a skill-acquisition variable, a biomechanical principle or a sociocultural factor.
Step 2: plan a sound method
Design how you will gather evidence so the results are valid and reliable.
- Decide what data you need and how to collect it (tests, trials, observation, surveys, secondary sources).
- Control variables so the evidence reflects the factor you are investigating (validity).
- Standardise conditions so results are repeatable (reliability).
- Consider ethics and safety where people are involved.
Step 3: gather and analyse evidence
Collect the evidence and then genuinely analyse it.
- Present data clearly with tables and graphs.
- Identify patterns, trends and relationships rather than just restating numbers.
- Interpret the evidence through the lens of the focus-area concept, explaining why the results occurred.
Step 4: communicate findings and conclude
Draw and justify a conclusion that answers the question.
- State what the evidence shows and how strongly it supports the answer.
- Link the findings back to the underlying concept and theory.
- Evaluate the investigation itself: discuss limitations, reliability and validity, and how it could be improved.
- Communicate clearly and concisely within the required format and length.