A Multi-Stage Pilot Study to Develop Procedures to Examine Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity (DEI) Statements within Kinesiology Journal Submission Guidelines

Authors

Vivianne Felker, University of San FranciscoFollow
Zoe Howard, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Jafra D. Thomas, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Shannon R. Siegel, University of San FranciscoFollow
Shiina Tsuchiya, University of San FranciscoFollow
Jorge Portillo, University of San FranciscoFollow
Deanna Jun, University of San FranciscoFollow
Alexis V. Willing, California Polytechnic State University--San Luis ObispoFollow
Jill M. Maples, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Graduate School of Medicine, KnoxvilleFollow
James W. Navalta, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
Matthew J. Garver, University of Central MissouriFollow
Joel D. Reece, Brigham Young University Hawaii, La’ieFollow
Dustin W. Davis, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow

Abstract

While diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) principles support ethically responsible, cost-effective, evidence-supported health promotion and performance interventions, they are rarely addressed within published biomedical/behavioral science research, including in kinesiology. PURPOSE: Because journal submission guidelines could increase integration of DEI principles’ application, we sought to develop a valid and reliable procedure to quantify DEI statements within kinesiology-related journal submission guidelines. METHODS: The pilot study was conducted between 2023 and 2025. Faculty investigators developed a codebook with good content validity (100% consensus achieved), then the primary faculty investigators produced a written protocol and coding form to standardize the coding process. Undergraduate students pilot tested the coding procedures’ reliability at three pilot coding (PC) timepoints. PC #1 & #2 tested intercoder reliability (n = 3) with four faculty-selected, peer-reviewed journals. PC #3 tested intercoder reliability (n = 5) and tested intracoder reliability (3-day wait period, n = 1), with a new sample of 10 randomly selected peer-reviewed kinesiology journals (2023 Scimago index list). RESULTS: Coders testing the procedures had good reliability: intercoder (substantial to almost perfect agreement; k-alpha = .63-.99); intracoder (almost perfect agreement; k-alpha = 1); 100% consensus was reached on all discrepancies. Of the 14 journal guidelines examined, one provided a sex/gender variable reporting policy, and one an equity statement; two provided a diversity statement, and three incorporated an inclusivity statement. CONCLUSION: This pilot study produced a valid and reliable coding procedure for quantifying DEI statements within journal submission guidelines. Findings also signal a need for broader research within this area.

Recommended Citation

Felker, Vivianne; Howard, Zoe; Thomas, Jafra D.; Siegel, Shannon R.; Tsuchiya, Shiina; Portillo, Jorge; Jun, Deanna; Willing, Alexis V.; Maples, Jill M.; Navalta, James W.; Garver, Matthew J.; Reece, Joel D.; and Davis, Dustin W. (2025) "A Multi-Stage Pilot Study to Develop Procedures to Examine Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity (DEI) Statements within Kinesiology Journal Submission Guidelines," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 14: Iss. 5, Article 97.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol14/iss5/97