The History and Status of the Journal of Sport Psychology: 1979-1985

Abstract

In the past 7 years JSP has evolved to become a respected sport psychology journal. The journal has been uncompromising in the strong research posture it has taken. It is currently the only journal entirely devoted to sport psychology that uses a single set of criteria for evaluating the scientific merit of submitted manuscripts. Over this time period the submitted manuscripts have shown an increase in the number of female principal authors as well as authors being affiliated with departments other than physical education. Survey studies were the most common submittals, but lately there has been a greater emphasis in field experimental studies. Some potential problem areas are noted in subject selection and choice of statistical tests. An examination of research areas revealed that in recent years "motivation" was the most frequently submitted topic. It appeared that other research areas varied in terms of their publishability. The common methodological problems associated with rejection of these types of manuscripts are discussed.