Microsoft Word Training the body and mind Examining psychological correlates of Taekwondo docx

Limitations and Implications for Future Research 
Limitations 
The present study has some limitations that must be taken into consideration when 
interpreting these findings. Firstly, no causal conclusions can be drawn from the present results 
due to the correlational study design. Moreover, since a comparison group was not used, it is 
not possible to determine whether the results of this study are unique to Taekwondo training, 
or if they are benefits of exercise in general. 
Secondly, as has been noted in previous martial arts research (Konzak & Boudreau, 1984), 
practitioners who reach high levels of training may already possess high levels of qualities such 
as self-esteem and positive perceptions of their health and body image, thus enabling them to 
strive for success and overcome obstacles in their training. For instance, those with lower levels 
of self-esteem may not feel they are capable of mastering an increasingly challenging 
curriculum and may drop out before reaching an advanced level. Thus, the linear relationships 
observed in this study might be a byproduct of individual differences rather than a function of 
Taekwondo training.
Additionally, all of the participants in the present study were members of the same large 
Taekwondo organization. In some ways, this contributes to the strength of the study. It allowed 
for a more consistent training background and guaranteed that participants were involved in a 
martial arts program that incorporated traditional Taekwondo philosophy into its curriculum.
However, this limits the generalizability of the results, and it cannot be concluded that these 
findings would extend to all Taekwondo styles and teaching philosophies. That being said, 

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International Journal of Martial Arts 
including 11 separate locations in the study somewhat attenuates this issue. If, for instance, 
data was collected from a single location, it would not be possible to determine whether any 
effects were a function of the sport, the training style, or as a function of the individual 
instructor. 
Secondly, due to the accessibility of the sample and the importance of selecting an 
organization that encompassed traditional Taekwondo philosophies, the sample was recruited 
from the PI’s organization of employment. Some participants were known personally by the 
PI, including 1 relative. This may have influenced participants’ responses. However, all 
participants were blind to the purpose of the study, and with locations spread across a large 
geographic region, the majority of the participants had never met the PI prior to the study.
On the other hand, selecting a sample that shared some degree of connections with the 
PI may have resulted in a greater likelihood of obtaining authentic responses. Participants may 
have been more motivated to provide accurate, thoughtful responses due to the PI’s role in their 
organization. Evidence for this possibility is reflected in the potency of many of the open-ended 
responses. Finally, the utilization of anonymous questionnaires and an independent rater for 
the open-ended data helped to control for bias in interpreting the results.