UNIT 5 RESEARCH PROJECT REFERRAL - OSCAR GAMBLE

Unit 5 Research Project –
Referral
Worthing College Sports Science
Oscar Gamble
2015

Assessment Criteria
Pages 3-17 & 27-38
• P2: carry out sport science or exercise science-
based research
• P3: collect and record data from the research
project conducted
• M2: correctly analyse collected data, describing
techniques used
• D1: correctly analyse data, explaining techniques
used
• P4: produce a full research report using a
standard scientific structure

To investigate if a relationship exists
between BMI and the number of
assists per game over a whole
season for Premier League Centre
midfielders.
By Oscar Gamble
P2: Carry out / P4: Produce

Abstract
I have researched and conducted this project to see whether a relationship
does exist between BMI and the number of assists per game over a whole
season for premier league centre midfielders, who have played in 20 or more
games. To determine this I went about trying to find a correlation between
the variables and to see how strong the relationship will be. I thought that
this was an interesting task to look into as midfielders have to be fit to get
into good positions on the pitch and I expected that the ones with the best
BMI ratings would therefore get into better areas and as a result get more
assists. My project is therefore trying to take a look at midfielders and
determine why some players can make plenty of assists and some zero. After
collecting all the necessary data from the 2013-14 Premier League season,
using spearman's rank I found my data had a very very weak correlation of -
0.5. This showed a weak support for one of my hypothesis stating a healthy
BMI will have a positive relationship with number of assists, however strong
for another stating a healthy BMI will have no relationship with the number
of assists. My results are not yet useful and at this current time and will not
impact anyone including managers or players. In fact if anything it supports
the idea of managers buying players because of ability and talent.

Contents: General
Page 1-Title
Page 2- Assessment Criteria
Page 3- Main Aim Title Page
Page 4-Abstract
Page 5-Contents
Page 6-Appendices Contents
Page 7-Figures and Tables Contents.
Page 8- Acknowledgements.
Page 9- Introduction.
Page 10- Literature Review.
Page 11- Project Hypotheses
Page 12-Method
Page 13- Data Collection
Page 14- Data Analysis
Page 15-Results
Page 16- Discussion
Page 17-Conclusion
Page 18- Assessment Criteria.
Page 19- Review 1/3
Page 20- Review 2/3
Page 21- Review 3/3
Page 22- Future Recommendations 1/5

Contents: Appendices
Page 27 – Appendices Title Page
Page 28 – Squawka Stat Centre
Page 29 – PremierLeague.com Player Profile
example
Page 30 – BMI calculator
Page 31 – PremierLeague.com Assists Data

Contents: Figures and Tables
Page 32 – Figures and Tables Title Page
Page 33 – Original Stat Collection Sheet
Page 34 – Spearman's Rank Order Correlation
table
Page 35 – Scatter Graph

Acknowledgements
Firstly I would like to acknowledge Paul Cox who
was constantly there to help me with different
aspects of the project. Without his help I know
that this project would not have been possible. I
would also like to acknowledge Scott Goodman
who has helped me with parts of my project I
was unsure of.

Introduction
The aim of my project was to investigate if a relationship exists between BMI and the
number of assists per game over a whole season for Premier League Centre
midfielders. It was based on statistics from the 2013-14 season and the centre
midfielders had to have at least played 20 league games to be included in the project.
The reason I chose this aim is because I have a lot of general interest in this area as it
focuses on my preferred sport of football. It also includes data from the league I have
most interest in and follow as a fan, the Barclays Premier League. This helped me feel
passion for my project and I allowed me to really enjoy working on it. As well as this, I
was also unable to find any research that looked at exactly the same as mine or even
similar to an extent. This potentially meant I could find some new findings which could
cause to be quite influential and I liked the idea of this very much. The type of data
collection I carried out was all desk research which I preferred as I feel I am very handy
with the internet and knew the best places to find the most accurate data.
The timescale of the research was over the course of the 2013-14 Premier League
season. The reason I chose a past season was because the current 2014-15 premier
league season is still on going and the data would not be sufficient for my project. The
project timescale therefore lasted from the 23rd January to the 27th March.

Literature Review and References
My literature review can be found below:
http://tinyurl.com/ofuo3qs

Project Hypothesis
At the end of my research project I expect to see
no relationship between a healthy fit level of
BMI and the number of assists made.

Method
1. I carried out the research by looking online for data which I then plotted on an excel table.
2. The excel table had headings for 6 different sub-headings. Team, Player name, height(cm), weight(kg),
BMI and number of assists.
3. One website I used for collecting my data was squawka.com. In their very impressive stat centre I was
able to do specific searches to discover how many midfielders from each team had played 20 games or
more in the 2013/14 season (see Appendix 1). I then noted these players and which team they played
for in my excel table.
4. I then moved onto another website to collect the height and weight of each player. For this I used the
premierleague.com and found each players specific profile. All that was necessary was to Google
premierleague.com and the players name (see Appendix 2). All the data was then placed into my excel
table.
5. From there I simply had to make the calculations on the BMI calculator from each players height and
weight. For this I consistently used the same website which was called
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm (see Appendix 3.) When a BMI
rating was received I placed it into my excel table.
6. For the final part of data collection I then had to return to the premierleague.com where I went about
finding all players number of assists. I went to the player index table, looked by statistic of assists and
searched each individual player (see Appendix 4.) I then noted all data into my excel table. The final
excel data collection table was then complete (see Figures and Tables 1)
7. I then used the information in this table and inputted it into another table, one which allowed me to
rank the data and also calculated the spearman coefficient rank of my results (see Figures and Tables 2).
8. Then still using excel I was able to create a scatter graph showing the correlation between BMI and
number of assists (see Figures and Tables 3).
P3: Collect and record / M2: Correctly analyse & describe techniques / D1: Correctly analyse & explain techniques

Data Collection
The type of data I will be collecting is secondary data as all information will be taken from statistic
websites online. The data is secondary because I have not gone out and collected the data myself
but instead taken other peoples primary data from certain websites. From these sites I will be
discovering which centre midfielders have played 20 games or more in the Barclays Premier
League, each centre midfielders BMI from their height and weight and the number of assists they
made in that whole 2013/14 season. All data I am collecting is quantitative data meaning all of my
data is numerical. I will be noting down all data onto an excel file before transferring into a
ranking table where I will create graphs and other diagrams. When calculating the BMI of the
players I will use the same BMI calculator (see Appendix 3) so that all calculations are the same
and as accurate as possible. The design of my research project is experimental as I am looking at
the effects of an independent variable on a dependant variable. In my project my independent
variable is BMI and I am trying to find out whether it has an effect on the number of assists a
performer makes in a single season.
One issue that is vital to take into account when collecting research from online sources is that
not all results are accurate and reliable, however I have ensured that all sites used were reliable
with correct data. As well as this it is important to not breach any ethical or legal laws which I
made sure I did not do.

Data Analysis
To arrange my data appropriately I used a rank order distribution
which allowed me to place all of my discovered desk data into an
ordered list within excel. I then used a spearman's rank order
correlation which allowed to me see whether there was a clear
correlation present between my two variables , BMI and number of
assists made (see figures and tables 2). Using spearman's rank order
correlation was effective as it ensured the workings out of my data was
all correct, valid and reliable . It was then effective as it showed my
correlation as either being positive or negative and one of five, being
very weak, weak, moderate, strong and very strong. This was helpful as
it saved me time because I was able to see instantly whether my data
showed a correlation and what type rather than myself doing the
equations to figure it out. My results were then displayed in a scatter
graph (see figures and tables 3) which was able to visibly show the
correlation between the two variables of BMI and assists. A line of best
fit was also drawn.

Results
After collection and analysis was complete I was then able to look at my results to see
whether centre midfielders in the BPL with healthier BMI does effect the number of
assists made in each season. Thanks to the use of spearman's rank order correlation I
was able to see that the correlation between my two variables was -0.53 suggesting
a moderately negative correlation. This as a result gives moderate support to my
hypothesis where I stated that there will be no relationship between the two variables
of BMI and the number of assists made.
Due to the results showing a moderately negative correlation and after looking at my
scatter graph (see Figures and Tables 3) it is clear that my results actually state there is
more of a relationship that BMI as a variable has no affect on the number of assists
made. However this moderately negative correlation is still not particularly strong
enough to make any categorical conclusions that BMI doesn't’t have an affect on
number of assists. Perhaps any if any further research was to be done they could look
into this new piece of evidence to try and find a stronger correlation between BMI and
assists having no effect on each other. However with my results it is simply not enough
with only a moderately negative correlation.

Discussion
I found that there was a moderately negative correlation between BMI of BPL midfielders and the
number of assists made in a single season. I did not expect to find the most significant correlation
between these two variables as I know that many other factors such as skill level and playing
team would have played a part, however I was expecting to see perhaps a slight positive
relationship as I expected the more fit players with the healthier BMI ratings to get into better
areas on the pitch and consequently make more assists. It is important to mention the other
factors which would have played a part in my data. Some midfielders are just simply better
players than others, meaning they are more able to pick out a pass and as a result achieve more
assists. Another factor is the team they are playing in. There may be a very talented midfielder
who plays lots of great passes through to his strikers however they may not be as talented and
struggle to finish their shots. This means that the midfielder is then considered to have a bad
number of assists. These are just some of the factors which play a part and would've effected my
project. There were not many trends in my results mainly due to there being a very weak
correlation in my findings. For example Steven Gerrard of Liverpool FC has got one of the highest
BMIs in the whole project however is the highest assister in the whole project. This is because as
we know Steven Gerrard is one of the highest rated midfielders in the world and his technique is
different class, just showing the problems other factors can make. As well as this Gerrard was
playing with one of the top strikers in the world in Luis Suarez, meaning that the majority of the
time when Gerrard would make a pass to him in on goal it would be scored. Showing another
factor effecting my results.

Conclusion
To investigate if a relationship exists between BMI and the number of assists per game over a
whole season for Premier League Centre midfielders.
A key trend in my literacy reviews is that when looking at BMI and football players they
commonly looked at all three positions of defence, midfield and attack. Bloomfield and the
International research journal of Applied and Basic sciences both did this which differs to my
project of just focusing on midfielders. The fact my research only focuses on midfielders means
that results for each player are realistic to another however cannot be compared to see how
different positions differ regarding BMI.
My results give a moderate amount of support to my hypothesis that at the end of my research
project I expect to see no relationship between a healthy fit level of BMI and the number of
assists made. This suggests that there is a moderate link in my data between the BMI ratings and
number of assists however not enough to make any assumptions. However it could still be the
basis for further research to be done looking at far more factors and variables to try and establish
a stronger positive or negative correlation between the two original variables. I think the reason I
found such a moderately negative correlation was simply because a skill like passing to create an
assist is effected way too much by other factors such as skill level. If I was to look at BMI effecting
another variable such as passing accuracy, I know a correlation would more likely to be positive
and much stronger as all professional players are able to pass and it doesn't’t require too much
talent, meaning skill as a factor would play less of a part.

Assessment Criteria Pages 19-26
• P5: carry out a review of the research project
conducted, describing strengths, areas for
improvement and future recommendations.
• M3: carry out a review of the research project,
explaining strengths, areas for improvement
and future recommendations.
• D2: carry out a review of the research project,
justifying future recommendations for further
research.

Review (1/3)
The conclusions of the project is that there is a moderately
negative correlation (see Figures and Tables 3) however it still
does meet my project aim as I was only looking to investigate
whether a relationship exists, and although not a positive or
particularly strong relationship was found, there is definitely a
moderately negative relationship present. Although I have not
finished my project with a strong or positive correlation
between the two variables I am still very happy with the way
my project has turned out as the data is all reliable and
accurate as well as organised and displayed very well in tables
and graphs. I also enjoyed it very much discovering and
learning about BMI effecting assists in the BPL and I felt that I
carried out the task very efficiently.
P5: Describe / M3: Explain / D2: Justify

Review (2/3)
I believe that one strength of my research project is my
aim as it investigates a sport I enjoy to both play and
follow, especially the Barclays Premier League. This
meant that I already had plenty of knowledge already
even before my project began as well as obvious
excitement and passion about undergoing this task.
Another strength of my research project was the use of
spearman's rank order correlation which allowed me to
display all my results in a clear very professional way as
well as receive accurate and reliable results regarding the
correlation strength. As well as this I was able to make an
impressive graph to help interpret my final findings and
results (see Tables and Graphs 3).

Review (3/3)
What were the areas for improvement of the research
project? (include evidence and specific examples)
One very big and clear issue in my project was that other
factors effected the data I had collected too much. Skill level
of the players for example effected the number of assists
rather than the BMI. I think if I changed the scope of my
project and perhaps looked at the top four teams in all
European leagues my data would therefore look slightly
different as they will all be at a similar level of football and
data will be much more representative to BMI effecting the
number of assists. It will then also not include the teams with
less skill. I believe that this would result in a much stronger
correlation between the two variables than before.

Future Recommendations (1/5) –
Change in Population
If the project was to be completed again I would make a number of changes.
Firstly I would change the scope of my project. Instead of looking at the whole
of the Barclays Premier League, I would’ve liked to have looked at the top 4/6
teams in the top European leagues. This would include leagues such as the
French Ligue 1, Italian Serie A, German Bundesliga, Spanish La Liga and of
course the English Barclays Premier League. By changing the scope it would
ensure that skill level has less of an impact on the number of assists a player
makes a season, because the majority of midfielders playing in the top
leagues will have similar levels of skill and ability. This was clearly a problem
in my project as skill level and ability played too much of a part and the
results have not truly reflected BMIs effect on assists. I am hoping that by
only using the top 4/6 teams of each league it will eliminate the midfielders
from the weaker teams, in each league, who are essentially the less skilled
and bringing the number of assists down. As a result It would hopefully allow
BMI to show its true effects on the number of assists a player makes in a
season and would hopefully change the negative correlation to a positive as
well as a much stronger overall correlation.
P4: Produce / P5: Describe / M3: Explain / D2: Justify

Change in Time Scale
If the project was to be completed again I would make a number of changes. I would’ve liked to
have looked at data over a much larger time scale perhaps looking at data from at least 3
seasons. Although still uncertain, the use of only one seasons data could have potentially been
massively influenced by a number of different factors reducing the validity and reliability of my
final results. However data from a number of seasons would give me much more accurate and
reliable measures as well as an overall fair representation as it would realistically rule out any
unusual performances and other factors which could have caused anomalous results. As a result
it would hopefully convert the negative correlation to a positive as well as strengthen it. My
results I believe could be effective for professional clubs who are looking for a midfielder who will
ideally get them as many assists as possible. If my results were to show that, with the same ability
and skill level in mind, a player with a better BMI is able to get more assists than one with a
poorer BMI then it is quite possible managers and coaches may look at my data when considering
signing new midfielders so their team can succeed more. However my findings could also be
beneficial for professional clubs if my results went on to suggest that there was still no
relationship between BMI and number of assists. It may show to managers or coaches that
regardless of a midfielders BMI being poor, through age or other factors, skill level is more
important when wanting to succeed on the pitch. I feel that my results could be so influential that
it is important for improved further research to be done, especially regarding time scale.

Change in Dependant Variable
As a future recommendation I would’ve liked to change the variable of my project
from assists made, to passes made. From changing the variable I believe that it would
again ensure that skill level has a much lesser impact on my final results. I feel this way
because unlike playing a pass to make an assist, it does not require massive amounts
of skill to play a regular pass. Every professional player regardless of even their
position is able to consistently pass the ball so this variable will therefore be much
more effected my BMI than skill or ability. As well as this it should be apparent that
the fitter the player the faster and more efficiently they will get around the pitch
making opportunities to receive and give the ball. It essentially means that all data I
obtain on each players passing should be completely effected by BMI and not at all by
skill level which was a very big problem which occurred in my original project. My
results I believe could be effective for professional clubs who are looking for a
midfielder who will ideally be able to keep the ball moving for their team making as
many passes as possible. Some of the best and most successful teams in the world are
all about keeping possession and making as many passes as they can. A team like
Barcelona for example may be interested in my findings if I was to discover that a
midfielder with a better BMI makes relatively much more passes than a player with a
poorer BMI. They would want to know this information if comparing two potential
signings, one with an ideal BMI and another with a much less ideal BMI.

Future Recommendations (4/5)
Change in Independent Variable
State a proposal for further research
As a future recommendation I would definitely like to look into some of the factors, other than
BMI, which can influence the number of assists made. For example, whether age plays a role and
if so how much it effects the number of assists a midfielder makes in a season. I believe that age
is a great factor to focus on primarily because at the top level of football you still see a huge age
range and any findings could prove to be extremely useful within professional football. It is still
very common that top high end clubs will pay a lot of money for midfielders even though they are
not too far from retirement. If research was done looking into age and using midfielders of the
same ability and skill, the results would be able to show whether age has a relationship with
assists. If it showed that age in fact does effect the number of assists and suggests the younger
more current players are seeing more success even without the experience, it could potentially
stop these clubs from investing in the older generation of players, saving them money and having
them at the club for longer. However if results went on to show that age plays no part in the
number of assists a midfielder will make in a season then it will give more confidence to
managers wanting to invest in the older more experienced players where they know they can get
solid performances from. I feel that my results could be so influential that it is important for
improved further research to be done, especially regarding age as a new independent variable in
a project.

Change in Method
State a proposal for further research
If the project was to be completed again I would make a number of changes. I would not have
directly changed my method as I felt that all tasks were appropriate and they were successfully
completed, however as a future recommendation I would’ve definitely liked to have created
myself a schedule before the whole research project began. This would be so I had set time
periods to complete each task within my method and I was able to know when deadlines for each
task would be approaching. I felt that although my project was successful, at some points during I
felt rushed and pressured to complete work for a deadline which I did not enjoy and it would
mean my concentration on the task to be lessened. This could have potentially caused me to
make mistakes throughout my method which may have effected my final results. I believe that
with a plan I would not lose any concentration and there would be no possible way for mistakes
to be included in my research. Another point for a future recommendation is that my method
should next time be completed in total privacy where there are no distractions or activity taking
place. The place in college where I completed the majority of my method there was a quite large
amount of activity and distraction and it was certainly not the right environment for
concentration so again mistakes could have been made, however those mistakes are easily
solved.

Research Project Figures
and Tables

Figures and Tables 3
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Assits
BMI
BMI and its Relationship with Assists made
Assists
Linear (Assists)

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