Article Critique

Article:

Hill, A. P., Witcher, C. S., Gotwals, J. K., & Leyland, A. F. (2015). A qualitative study of perfectionism among self-identified perfectionists in sport and the performing arts. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 4(4), 237.

What was the study’s purpose?

This study aimed to explore the opinions as well as perceptions of perfection among those considered as experts in the field of sports, dance as well as music (Hill, Witcher, Gotwals, & Leyland, 2015). The research was carried out to establish from the respondents what being a perfectionist means and how being a perfectionist impacts their daily lives.

What previous literature was reviewed? Was it relevant to the research problem? To the theoretical framework? Does the literature review appear to be adequate?

The authors have reviewed previous literature on the perfectionist about sports and performing arts (Hill, Witcher, Gotwals, & Leyland, 2015). Perfectionism is viewed as an essential personality in these fields, and ultimate dedication is critical in succeeding up to the level of perfectionism. The literature reviewed in this study is relevant to the study objective because it is all related to sports, performing arts and the perception that those in these fields have regarding perfectionism.

The authors have reviewed one of the critical literature about perfectionism which is authored by Flett and Hewitt.  It is, however, inadequate because there are no theories examined to analyze the relationship between the two variables. The theoretical framework was therefore not well done, but instead, the authors discussed the perfectionism and its relation to arts and sports.

Was the theoretical framework presented? What was it? Did it seem appropriate for the research question addressed? Can you think of a different theoretical perspective that might have been used?

The main theory used in this research is that relating perfectionism to personality as analyzed by Hall and Hill. At the extreme levels, the perfectionists are dedicated to meet the standard that they have set for themselves. The desire to succeed is more witnessed in sports and performing arts.  This theory was adequate for the research as it addressed all the variables.

What sampling technique did the researcher use?

The sampling technique used in this research is nonprobability judgment sampling where the researcher chooses to participate in the study. In this study, the researchers purposely selected the participants who were perfectionists or had been perfectionists (Hill, Witcher, Gotwals, & Leyland, 2015). This approach is useful especially in qualitative research because one gets a wide range of responses. The method is also cost effective and less time is used to conduct the study.

What were some disadvantages of using this sampling technique?

This approach is however disadvantageous as it is prone to researcher bias thereby affecting the validity of the study.

What are the variables in the study?

The primary variable in this study is perfectionists and other variables such as motivation, personality and performance are used to analyze the perception of respondents who are respondents in sports and performing arts.

Are the variables measured quantitatively or qualitatively?

The variables are analyzed qualitatively by evaluating the response of the participants without examining the data statistically.

How do the researchers operationally define the variables in the study?

There is no definition of perfectionism which is the primary variable in this research. The reason for this is because the researchers use different approaches, so there is no standard definition for the variable.

What procedures did the researchers use? What were the participants asked to do?

The participants were asked to list three of their highest achievements and specify those that they had performed with. They were required to fill the semi-structured questionnaires.

What were the results of the study?

The results were classified into accomplishment, strain, and drive music (Hill, Witcher, Gotwals, & Leyland, 2015). One of the aspects that respondents identified as a source of motivation is setting high standards of achievement. Although respondents acknowledged that perfectionism was a good thing they also indicated that they strained to become perfect which mean that they are frequently in pressure to reach the standards and maintain.

What were conclusions doing the researcher draw from the results?

The conclusion drawn from the research carried out by the authors of the article was that dancers, musicians, and athletes perceived perfection as a source of motivation in their respective careers music (Hill, Witcher, Gotwals, & Leyland, 2015). Additionally, for some of the respondents perfection increased their succeeding capacity while for others it made them strain in their daily endeavors. Perfection is, therefore, a crucial aspect in sports and the performing arts.

What are the limitations of the study?

One of the limitations of the study was that the interpretation of the results is imaginative; therefore they do not portray the actual results music (Hill, Witcher, Gotwals, & Leyland, 2015). The study was also prone to biases at different phases.

What are the authors’ suggestions for future research?

The authors are encouraging the future researchers to challenge the results by interviewing more respondents who are in another level apart from that which the respondents for this research are derived from. They should, however, be those who view themselves as perfectionists in the field of sports and performing arts.

References

Hill, A. P., Witcher, C. S., Gotwals, J. K., & Leyland, A. F. (2015). A qualitative study of perfectionism among self-identified perfectionists in sport and the performing arts. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 4(4), 237.