A Review of Scientific Progress in Flow in Sport and Exercise: Normal Science, Crisis, and a Progressive Shift

Authors

Christian F. Swann, University of LincolnFollow
David Piggott, Leeds Beckett University, University of Lincoln
Matthew Schweickle, University of WollongongFollow
Stewart A. Vella, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

127357

Publication Details

Swann, C., Piggott, D., Schweickle, M. & Vella, S. (2018). A Review of Scientific Progress in Flow in Sport and Exercise: Normal Science, Crisis, and a Progressive Shift. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 30 (3), 249-271.

Abstract

2018, Copyright Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Flow is highly relevant and desirable in sport and exercise. Drawing on ideas from iconic philosophers of science-Thomas Kuhn, Karl Popper, and Imre Lakatos-we argue that research in this field has followed a pattern of "normal science." With a series of accumulating criticisms and "anomalies," we propose flow research is approaching a "crisis point." We highlight problems with research based on the traditional nine-dimensions conceptualization of flow. Then, drawing on the work of Popper and Lakatos, we offer theoretical and methodological suggestions for developing a more progressive and practically useful theory for researchers and practitioners.