Research and Practice in Talent Identification and Development - Some Thoughts on the State of Play

Collins, D. orcid iconORCID: 0000-0002-7601-0454, MacNamara, Á., orcid iconORCID: 0000-0002-8110-6784 and Cruickshank, A. orcid iconORCID: 0000-0002-8893-2341 (2019) Research and Practice in Talent Identification and Development - Some Thoughts on the State of Play. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 31 (3). pp. 340-351. ISSN 1041-3200

[thumbnail of Author Accepted Manuscript]
Preview
PDF (Author Accepted Manuscript) - Accepted Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives.

529kB

Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2018.1475430

Abstract

Although there has been considerable growth in talent identification and development research, the mixed quality and lack of applied focus means little has changed in the field. We propose the Performance-Outcome-Process continuum, a structure which examines ideas based on what and how they contribute to the talent development process. Reflecting a pracademic focus we highlight the importance of understanding the processes and mechanisms of development-focused constructs to best bridge the research-practice divide. We suggest a pragmatic approach that prioritises the quality of research and the importance of applied impact; at least in research which claims to be for sport.
Lay Summary: To bridge the research-practice divide in Talent Identification and Development, it is important that translational and pragmatic research becomes the norm, with progression from the retrospective studies which have been typical in this domain. Focusing on the processes and mechanisms that generate comprehensive development would seem a logical step especially for investigations that want to make a difference in applied settings.


Repository Staff Only: item control page