In search of kinesiology's core journals: an elusive and potentially value-laden enterprise1

Abstract

Abstract In this paper we raise concerns over the methodological approach employed by Knudson (2013a) in attempting to identify core journals in kinesiology. Philosophical concerns about the nature of his results and their meaning are also brought to bear. The authors argue for more consistent, explicit, and inclusive methodology in identifying the journals and the associated measures of impact and prestige, and raise questions about the nature and purpose of scholarship in kinesiology that must be considered more fully. Our intention in raising these concerns is meant to answer the call of Knudson, Morrow, and Thomas (2014), who observed that scholars in kinesiology rarely challenge one another through letters to the editor, replication, or by other means. In the spirit of such scholarly discourse, we offer several observations that we feel should be considered, particularly prior to individuals or institutions attempting to operationalize and/or apply his study results.