BMX Racing Research: Survey Data and Descriptive Statistics

Introduction

Research, whether qualitative or quantitative in design, must be succinct, thorough, and well-fitted to its purpose in order to achieve the intended results. Without proper controls, clear definitions, and well-defined objectives, a research endeavor is simply an ad hoc attempt to gather data and explain a particular phenomenon. Research must also command interest, enthusiasm, and passionate commitment to the subject being investigated.

The purpose of the proposed research is to determine what differences may exist among BMX (Bicycle Motocross Racing) racers with respect to the effect this extreme sport has on those who participate. In order to accomplish the goals of the intended research project, data will be collected by way of a short survey questionnaire in which participants will be asked four questions relative to the following:

These four survey questions will permit the research investigator to gather ordinal (Question 1), nominal (Question 2), ratio (Question 3), and interval (Question 4) types of measurement data with which to examine the goals set forth by the research design. More specifically, the goals of the present investigative research study are twofold:

Long before BMX racing became established as an extreme sport, young people were challenging each other by racing their bicycles over dirt embankments, around sharp curves, and along pothole-ridden streets. They were often attired in brightly colored jerseys and, at the time, unusual-looking protective gear. Although the beginning of what we know today as BMX racing has no single specific origin the way other sports might, kids with bikes have been testing their endurance on a bicycle for generations.

The first recorded — that is, televised — event took place in California in the early 1970s. It was filmmaker Bruce Brown who captured the event on film. This film projected the sport into worldwide participation, and BMX racing has since become known as a sport created by kids. Once the sport gained interest, it spread quickly throughout the country and across the world. By 1977, a national sanctioning body — the American Bicycle Association — was formed because so many BMX races were being staged throughout the United States.

BMX Racing Background

Today, BMX racing is an international sport that requires an extreme amount of training and is both organized and competitive. Those individuals participating in BMX racing today often attend clinics to improve their skills and practice several hours per day. Although anyone can participate in BMX racing activities, the sport is not for the faint of heart, the non-dedicated, or the out-of-shape individual. The sport requires significant cardiovascular strength, toned muscles, physical stamina, and a competitive spirit.

Dear BMX Racing Enthusiast:

I would like your help in conducting a short survey involving your BMX sport. As a BMX racer myself, I have always been interested in what other racers think and feel about the sport. I would appreciate your participation in this survey by simply answering the four short questions below. A self-addressed stamped envelope has been enclosed for you to return the questionnaire. I have also enclosed a decal for you to place on your bike as a token of my appreciation for completing the questionnaire.

Blood, Sweat and Gears — and thank you for your participation!

Questions (please check where appropriate):

1a. In which geographical area do you reside?
West ___   Mid-West ___   Northwest ___   South ___   Southwest ___
East ___   Northeast ___   Southeast ___

Survey Questionnaire

1b. What is your state of residence? _______________

2. How many physical scars do you have as a result of racing?
1–2 ___   3–4 ___   5 or more ___

3. What is your racing rank?
Novice ___   Intermediate ___   Expert ___

4. What is your age group?
10–15 ___   16–21 ___   22–30 ___   30 and above ___

Conclusion

Knowing that the data collected was subjected only to descriptive statistical analysis, the conclusions drawn are not subject to critical statistical affirmation, and as such, inferences about the BMX population as a whole cannot be made. To determine whether real, statistically significant differences exist can only be achieved by subjecting the data to the rigors of inferential statistics. Preliminarily, however, what can be garnered from this pilot study is the following: