In a new study set to be published in a prominent exercise and sport science journal, Oregon State University ranks in the top 10 of high visibility institutions.
The paper, “Leading Contributors to the Research Consortium’s Annual Program, 1992-2011: High Visibility Institutions, Researchers, and Topics,” ranked institutions based on the how frequently its peer-reviewed research was presented at the annual Research Consortium of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPRED) conference or published in abstract form in the Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (RQES).
The study’s author and CPHHS Professor of Exercise and Sport Science Brad Cardinal, along with co-author and CPHHS Ph.D. alumnus Hyo Lee and two undergraduate students, looked at nearly 6,000 journal abstract publications from 1992 to 2011 to determine the high visibility list.
“Consistently ranking among the ‘Top 20’ over a 20-year time span shows that Oregon State has a sustained commitment and sustained visibility in which we create a solid foundation.”
Oregon State University ranked No. 8 out of more than 300 participating institutions over a 20-year period.
“I think rankings like this are important for universities and academic programs because they are indicators of academic distinction, excellence and quality,” Cardinal says. “Consistently ranking among the ‘Top 20’ over a 20-year time span shows that Oregon State has a sustained commitment and sustained visibility in which we create a solid foundation.”
Oregon State is the only institution in the Northwest to be ranked on the Top 20 high-visibility list, and one of only two west of Colorado.
In 2011, the National Academy of Kinesiology ranked Oregon State at No. 10 on the basis of multiple factors.
“Consistent rankings by two independent organizations says something very positive about our program that will help attract students and faculty, and demonstrates that things are moving in a positive direction,” Cardinal says.
The study also highlighted the Top 20 high-visibility researchers based on how often their research was presented in the abstract publication.
Cardinal tied for the No. 4 spot, with 58 papers during the 20-year time period.
“Brad is a very productive scholar and has placed a high priority on being active in the prestigious Research Consortium of AAHPERD,” said School of Biological and Population Health Sciences Co-director Tony Wilcox. “OSU’s standing in the rankings is also the result of a high rate of participation by our Movement Studies in Disability program in Kinesiology. We are proud of the visibility our faculty has given OSU at this important professional organization’s annual meetings.”
The journal article also found what sub-disciplinary topics were most prevalent at the conference and in the journal. Pedagogy ranked No. 1, followed by health, exercise physiology and fitness, special populations, and motor behavior.
The study is expected to be published in the journal, Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science in the first issue of 2013.
Cardinal was recently elected the secretary/treasurer of the National Academy of Kinesiology. He also was unanimously supported to serve as chair of the editorial board of the journal Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, beginning Sept. 1.