This study used a well-grounded method, yet seldom used in sport for data collection (Q-Methodology) in order to evaluate coaches from differing disciplines; Adventure Sport Coaches (ASC) and Dominant Sports coaches (DSC). This was done through the template of Epistemology. Participants (n=33; male =29, female =4), consisted of highly qualified coaches (>UKCC level 3) with ample coaching experience (>10 years) showed that coaches from this sample displayed sophisticated epistemic beliefs on coaching.
Previous literature had suggested that ASC develop a more sophisticated epistemology due to the exposure to the highly dynamic environment in which they work. This study found that DSC report that having a dynamic environment to coach within is crucial, and that DSC reported equally sophisticated epistemology. The study also concluded that both groupings of coaches disagree with the use of power relationships, suggesting a movement towards more learner centred behaviours that literature suggests boosts quality of learning but also retention.
This study concluded by suggesting future studies used this study in order to further evaluate the proposed difference between the two sets of coaches.