Andersen, Mark B and Stoove, Mark A (1998) The sanctity of p < .05 obfuscates good stuff: A comment on Kerr and Goss. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology , 10 (1). pp. 168-173. ISSN 1041-3200 (print) 1533-1571 (online)

Abstract

Sports injuries can be a major source of both personal and financial hardship, and Kerr and Goss (1996) in their article “The Effects of a Stress Management Program on Injuries and Stress Levels” have conducted important research that has implications for the health and welfare of many athletes. Besides suggesting some potential avenues for reducing the incidence of injury, Kerr and Goss have presented a study that offers an opportunity to discuss some issues related to statistical inference, null hypothesis testing, power, and the requirement that p be less than .05. Past research and writings on psychosocial factors and athletic injury have focused on two major areas: antecedents and consequences of injury (Brewer, 1994; Petrie, 1992; Williams, Hogan, & Andersen, 1993). The literature has been noticeably bereft of studies directed at what most sport psychologists, coaches, athletic trainers, and athletes would probably consider the central issue, and that is reducing injury risk in sport. In 1991, Davis presented results that suggested a simple program of progressive relaxation could decrease injury rates. In turn, it was 5 years before another such injury prevention study appeared in the literature (i.e., Kerr & Goss, 1996).

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