The effects of orders of presentation and anchors on the ratings of perceived exertion

The problem investigated was to compare the effects of orders of presentation and anchors on the ratings of perceived exertion obtained during bicycle ergometry. Based on the statistical analysis of the data, the following findings were apparent: 1. It was found that there were no significant differences in mean scores of perceived exertion obtained among the orders of presentation, ascending, descending, and random. 2. It was found that the light anchor mean score was significantly greater than those of the heavy or identical anchor. 3. It was found that there were significant differences among the ratings of perceived exertion that may be attributed to changes in work loads. 4. It was found that there were significant differences among the mean scores of ratings of perceived exertion that may be attributed to the interaction of the main effects. As a result of the findings, the following conclusions were deemed appropriate within the limitations of the study: 1. Ratings of perceived exertion in ascending and random order increased proportionately in value as the work load increases. 2. Contrast effects are present in ratings of perceived exertion obtained during bicycle ergometry. 3. The majority of previous findings agree with the present research with respect to anchors and orders of presentation. 4. Light anchors and ascending orders of presentation make work appear to be more strenuous than what it actually is. 5. Heavy anchors and descending orders of presentation make work appear to be less strenuous than what it actually is.