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So I'll probably have this class next year called 'Independent Research', where I'll get to research/explore any subject matter that I would like. Naturally, I'd prefer to do a project on the vault. I would like it to be highly related to science, including biomechanics, physics, engineering, physiology, kinesiology, etc. What should I do? Any ideas? I'll have around 10 months to do it I guess... of course I have limited funds and time.

Ideas so far:
Why the Petrov model is the most energy efficient (sort of basic, but it would definitely help my understanding)
The physics and biomechanics of transitioning from phase to phase (I really like this one... I don't know where to start though...)
Pole technology and its effect on technique (WOW advanced stuff. But it would really be a project!)
Take-off: where, how, and why (It might sound simple, but it really isn't!)
Athleticism vs. technical ability (Where have I seen this one before? )
Pole vault psychology (That would be interesting, but tough to put together into a cohesive report.)

Thoughts? Ideas?

Your second idea sounds like it would be the best read for someone who is learning about the vault for the first time or if you have to present this independent research in front of an audience.

If it's independent research, you don't really need to know in advance exactly where you're going to end up at the end of the project. Don't narrow your options down until you get into the true empirical research. If you look up the meaning of "empirical research" you'll understand what I mean.

It's like starting a journey with a basic premise that you want to discover something new about pole vaulting, but only making decisions "at the last responsible moment" - whenever you hit a fork in the road, and not before. This can happen DURING your 10-month research project - it doesn't need to be very well defined before you start.

Also, keep it fairly basic, as ACvault said, so that you don't lose your audience or teacher in technical details - especially those that cannot be proven. You just need to prove that you explored the topic scientifically, with some kind of evidence.

Think about using current research (e.g. Lanthorne or McGinnis) as a starting point, and advance from there. In some of their papers, they make some suggestions as to where further research is needed. Another example: DJ's Mid Mark Chart might be considered "current research" theory.

Another suggestion is to not take on the world alone but instead, work with someone like David Johnston, Rick Baggett, Alan Launder, or other esteemed pole vault coach, and volunteer to be their "research assistant". They may have pet research projects that remain incomplete.

And, as you mentioned, it should cover an area where you will learn something constructive.

This sounds like a great elective to have next year! Good luck with it!

Kirk

Talk to your school librarian about getting access to online full text journal articles and see what has already been published in these areas. There is quite a bit out there in peer-reviewed research journals.

Thanks for all the advice! I really do like my 2nd idea though... I would like to have SOME sort of direction to start going in. I will talk with a number of coaches about what they think about it, like altius, rick, agapit, dj, and some others perhaps. I do like the idea of researching the mid mark chart, and I was going to incorporate it as a 'transition' from run to plant. It would be tough not to talk about the phases themselves though, wouldn't it? What could I do there?