Three Scientist Practitioners: Self-Reflecting and Narrating Professional Careers and Daily Activities

Abstract

In this paper, we present three narratives disclosing our experiences as scientist practitioners. Each author reflected on their career trajectories, and the natural interdependence of science and practice, and provided an illustration capturing the main features of their dual role. These three illustrations included collaboration with an integrated (practice and research) team, a deepened self-reflection, and an abbreviated case study with an elite athlete. Consistent with the limited literature on the scientist practitioners model, we share universal career trajectories as academicians who are intensely engaged in sport psychology practice (e.g., practice benefits from science, and vice versa). Some specific elaborations on the interrelated roles and tasks are the benefits of a journal reviewer’s role and the parallel functions of ecological validity (in research) and immersion (in practice) as bridging and balancing the scientist practitioner and scientist practitioner shift in daily activities, professional roles, and career phases. We offer practical considerations regarding the value of asking problem-solving-oriented questions, creating one’s own principles to navigate the dual role, and reminding ourselves about the interdependence of theory and practice.