A Systems Analysis Critique of Sport-Science Research

• Published in: International journal of sports physiology and performance Vol. 16; no. 10; p. 1385
• Main Authors: McLean, Scott, Kerhervé, Hugo A, Stevens, Nicholas, Salmon, Paul M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.10.2021
• Subjects: Athletes; Humans; Sports; Systems Analysis; systems thinking; causal loop diagrams; systemic change; research–practice gap
• ISSN: 1555-0273
• DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2020-0934

The broad aim of sport-science research is to enhance the performance of coaches and athletes. Despite decades of such research, it is well documented that sport-science research lacks empirical evidence, and critics have questioned its scientific methods. Moreover, many have pointed to a research-practice gap, whereby the work undertaken by researchers is not readily applied by practitioners. The aim of this study was to use a systems thinking analysis method, causal loop diagrams, to understand the systemic issues that interact to influence the quality of sport-science research. A group model-building process was utilized to develop the causal loop diagram based on data obtained from relevant peer-reviewed literature and subject-matter experts. The findings demonstrate the panoply of systemic influences associated with sport-science research, including the existence of silos, a focus on quantitative research, archaic practices, and an academic system that is incongruous with what it actually purports to achieve. The emergent outcome of the interacting components is the creation of an underperforming sport-science research system, as indicated by a lack of ecological validity, translation to practice, and, ultimately, a research-practice gap.