Vinu Selvaratnam

Abstract

Despite the benefits of experimental methods in getting closer to establishing causality, cross-sectional approaches still dominate quantitative studies in sport management research. This critical commentary examines randomized experiments within sport management research, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. It reflects on the dominance of cross-sectional studies in sport management and the importance of establishing causality for research results to better influence decision-making in public policy, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations. The critical commentary advances sport management scholarship by advocating for the adoption of more randomized experiments and proposing future research directions that can elevate the relevance and impact of sport management research. It also provides specific recommendations for future research, highlighting the need for more randomized experiments in sport management to enhance the field’s impact and relevance.

Citation: Selvaratnam, V. (2024). Enhancing causality 
in sport management research. International Journal of Sport Management, 25(4), 407-416.

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