Exploratory research in sport and exercise science: Perceptions, challenges, and recommendations.

Area of Science:

• Sport and Exercise Science
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Scientific Knowledge Generation

Background:

• Exploratory research, vital for scientific discovery, is often underreported in fields like sport and exercise science.
• This lack of transparency in data-driven analyses poses significant challenges to scientific rigor.
• Distinguishing exploratory from confirmatory studies is crucial for accurate interpretation of research findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the typical collection and use of data in quantitative research.
• To differentiate exploratory research from confirmatory research, emphasizing the inability to control Type I and Type II errors in exploratory analyses.
• To identify factors enhancing the quality and value of exploratory research.

Main Methods:

• A review of data collection and usage practices.
• Distinction between exploratory and confirmatory study designs based on data-driven analysis characteristics.
• Identification of key factors influencing the quality of exploratory analyses.

Main Results:

• Exploratory research is characterized by data-driven analyses where statistical error control is not feasible.
• Factors enhancing exploratory study quality include large sample sizes, unique sample compositions, rigorous data collection, and established measures.
• Observing coherent patterns across variables and the potential for generating new research questions are key outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Transparent reporting of quantitative exploratory research is essential for advancing scientific knowledge in sport and exercise science.
• Guidelines are provided for conducting and reporting exploratory studies to improve their quality and impact.
• Embracing exploratory analyses transparently facilitates hypothesis generation and future confirmatory research.