AAQ Creatine and Athletic Performance

The Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Weightlifting Performance in College Athletes: An Archival Research Report
Introduction
Creatine is a naturally occurring substance found in muscle cells that aids in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy source for muscle contractions. Athletes often use creatine supplements to enhance their performance in activities requiring short bursts of high-intensity exercise, such as weightlifting. This archival research report examines the effects of creatine supplementation on weightlifting performance in college athletes. The researchers hypothesis is that the group receiving the creatine would increase their lifts on shirt burst exercises.
Participants
The study involved a total of 60 healthy college athletes (30 men and 30 women) recruited from the weightlifting teams of a university. All participants were between the ages of 18 and 25 years old and had at least one year of consistent weightlifting experience. Athletes with any pre-existing medical conditions or those taking any regular medications were excluded from the study.
Methodology
The research employed a double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Participants were randomly assigned to either a creatine supplementation group (n = 30) or a placebo group (n = 30). The creatine group received a daily dose of 5 grams of creatine monohydrate for a period of four weeks. The placebo group received a similar-looking capsule containing an inactive substance (e.g., rice flour) for the same duration. Neither the participants nor the researchers administering the supplements were aware of which group received the actual creatine. Participants gave full consent and were fully debriefed at the conclusion of the study.
Before the supplementation period began, all participants completed a one-repetition maximum (1RM) test for three major weightlifting exercises: squat, bench press, and deadlift. The 1RM test determines the maximum amount of weight a person can lift for one repetition in a particular exercise. After the four weeks of supplementation, participants were retested on their 1RM for the same exercises.
Results
The results showed a statistically significant increase in 1RM scores for all three weightlifting exercises in the creatine group compared to the placebo group. The average increase in 1RM for the squat, bench press, and deadlift in the creatine group was 5 kg, 3 kg, and 4 kg, respectively. The placebo group did not show any significant changes in their 1RM scores. The results are visually represented in the following graph (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Change in 1RM Scores Following Creatine Supplementation
Discussion
The findings of this study support the notion that creatine supplementation can lead to improved weightlifting performance in college athletes. The observed increases in 1RM scores in the creatine group suggest that creatine supplementation may enhance an athlete's ability to generate greater muscular force during weightlifting exercises. This increase in strength could potentially translate to better overall performance in weightlifting competitions.
It is important to note that this research is archival, and therefore, the specific details of the study methodology may not be available. Additionally, factors such as training program, diet, and individual variations in response to creatine supplementation can influence the results. Future research could explore these factors in greater detail to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of creatine on weightlifting performance.
Limitations
As with any archival research, this report is limited by the availability and detail of the original study. Additionally, generalizability of the findings may be limited depending on the specific characteristics of the participants and methodology employed in the original research.
Conclusion
This archival research report suggests that creatine supplementation may be beneficial for improving weightlifting performance in college athletes. However, further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and optimal dosage of creatine supplementation for athletes.
Your response to the question should be provided in six parts:  A, B, C, D, E and F.  Write the response to each part of the question in complete sentences.  Use appropriate psychological terminology in your response.

Using the source provided, respond to the following questions.
Identify the research method used in the study.
State the operational definition of performance.
Describe the meaning of the mean in the study.
Identify at least one ethical guideline applied by the researchers.
Explain the extent to which the research finding may or may not be generalizable using specific and relevant evidence from the study.
Explain how at least one of the research findings supports or refutes the hypothesis in the study).