Data analysis: The null ritual and the use of effect sizes

Conzelmann, Achim; Raab, Markus (2009). Data analysis: The null ritual and the use of effect sizes. Zeitschrift für Sportpsychologie, 16(2), pp. 43-54. Göttingen: Hogrefe 10.1026/1612-5010.16.2.43

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This article analyzes the use of statistical tests in German-language sport psychology. Results from comparable analyses in, for example psychology, reveal discrepancies between theoretical requirements and empirical practice that have not yet been described or discussed in the field of sport psychology. Volumes 1994–2007 of the journal Zeitschrift für Sportpsychologie (formerly psychologie und sport) were analyzed to see whether research questions were formulated, how participants were sampled, what test theory was used, what significance criterion was applied, and, finally, whether statistical problems were described. Two independent raters categorized 83 articles based on these criteria. Results showed that a mixture of Fisher’s significance testing and Neyman-Pearson’s hypothesis testing was used in sport psychology. These approaches are often described as the ”hybrid model” or the ”null ritual.” Descriptions of test power were infrequent. The temporal analysis of articles revealed that effect sizes have been used increasingly in recent years. Ways to improve and standardize the use of statistical testing are presented and discussed.

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