title: A review of the use of a systematic observation method in coaching research between 1997 and 2016.
abstract: A systematic observation method has been one of the most popularly employed methods in coaching research. Kahan's review of this method conducted between 1975 and 1997 highlighted the key trends in this research, and offered methodological guidance for researchers wishing to use this method in their research. The purpose of this review was to provide an update of the use of a systematic observation method in coaching research and assess the extent to which the calls made by Kahan have been addressed. While in some respect this field of study has progressed (i.e., the introduction of qualitative methods), researchers adopting this method have failed to attend to many of the issues Kahan raised. For this method to continue to make a positive contribution towards the coaching research literature, researchers need to more critically reflect on how and why they are employing this method. At present, some of the decisions made by researchers who have conducted work in this area are not justified with a rationale. It is our intention that this review will serve as guidance for researchers and practitioners, and editors and reviewers of journals when attempting to assess the quality of this type of work.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Science , University of Hull , Hull , UK.
authors.forename: Ed
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cope
authors.affiliation: b Department of Sport and Physical Activity , Edge Hill University , Ormskirk , UK.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Partington
authors.affiliation: c College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences , West Virginia University , Morgantown , WV , USA.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Harvey
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D000071252:Mentoring; D019370:Observation / Q000379:methods*; D015588:Observer Variation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design; D013177:Sports
keywords: Systematic observation; coaching; coaching behaviour; coaching practice; methodology