@article{0301e7c752b84fa4831bfbd661e1e0b2,
title = "High performance coach cognition in the wild: Using applied cognitive task analysis for practical insights–cognitive challenges and curriculum knowledge",
abstract = "Despite significant empirical work in the sport coaching domain, there remains a paucity of evidence to inform practice in high-performance sport coaching. As a result, there are gaps in our understanding regarding coaching expertise at different levels of athlete performance. A significantly underutilized approach in coaching research is Cognitive Task Analysis and it{\textquoteright}s knowledge elicitation tools. Addressing these concerns, here we utilize applied Cognitive Task Analysis and a semi-structured interview protocol to elicit the cognitive challenges and use of knowledge by a group of N = 7 high-performance endurance sport coaches from a single national governing body. Analysis suggested prominent and ongoing challenges in day-to-day practice which, in turn require significant adaptive skill. In addition, results show how coaches used knowledge flexibly and conditionally to meet the demands of their role. A novel finding being the identification of the use of curriculum knowledge to mentally project the needs of athletes. The findings suggest opportunities for utilizing Cognitive Task Analysis to investigate the cognitive challenges of sport coaching and enhance coach development practice.",
keywords = "coach development, cognitive task analysis, elite coaching, expertise, macrocognition, professional judgment and decision making, sport coaching",
author = "Jamie Taylor and Michael Ashford and Matt Jefferson",
note = "Funding Information: There are limited guidelines that have sought to establish quality in CTA research. As such, the research was guided by the suggestions of in seeking to offer {\textquoteleft}quality{\textquoteright} by offering an appropriate level of rigor and clear application of findings for the betterment of a domain. CTA methods, while open to critique on the basis of reliability and falsification, are highly appropriate to the pragmatic research philosophy adopted. Consequently, we ask the reader to judge quality and trustworthiness by the following markers: firstly, by outlining the quality and quantity of SMEs that were interviewed in the project. Secondly, the quality of data generated by ACTA methods depends to an extent on the skill of the interviewer (). The first two authors had undertaken training in CTA methods (CTA Institute), had previous experience with the use of ACTA and were experienced qualitative researchers. In addition, given the intellectual challenge posed by analysis of intuitive processes captured through more deliberative reflection (), there is a need for the researcher to engage in careful interpretation and have significant previous experience (). This interpretation was supported by the research team{\textquoteright}s experience as coach developers. Similarly, in the first author{\textquoteright}s publication record, applying deliberative and intuitive approaches to coaching practice (). Thirdly, planning for the CTA was evaluated a priori by an experienced CTA researcher outside of the research team as a critical friend (). Finally, another marker of quality is the extent to which the CTA Offer insights that deepen our understanding of a particular domain. We leave this judgment to the reader. Funding Information: The research was supported by Open access publication funded by Dublin City University. ",
year = "2023",
month = jun,
day = "29",
doi = "10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1154168",
language = "English",
volume = "14",
journal = "Frontiers in Psychology",
issn = "1664-1078",
publisher = "Frontiers Media SA",
}