Research synthesis in sport and exercise psychology: Chaos in the brickyard revisited

Abstract

A short introductory commentary is provided addressing research synthesis in sport and exercise psychology. The focus is on quantitative systematic reviews, including meta-analyses. Building on Forscher's call over 40 years ago (Forscher, B. K. [1963]. Chaos in the brickyard. Science, 142, 35) for a more systematic approach to building a research evidence “edifice”, examples and purposes of research synthesis are provided. Important issues in the conducting and use of systematic reviews provide a conclusion.

Keywords:

• Research synthesis
• meta-analysis
• systematic review
• sport
• exercise psychology
• sport psychology