Kathryn Johnston, PhD

Research Area: My primary research focuses on understanding selection practices, with an emphasis on the decision-making processes of those in selection positions, and the cognitive biases and heuristics shaping decision-making behaviour. My work within the TISS program centers around supporting research within and beyond the lab, that advances high performance in sport across ability and competition levels. I am also a research consultant working with national and international high-performance teams, and hold an Adjunct Professor appointment at Ontario Tech University where I co-supervise student research.

Favourite Hobbies: When I am not in the lab – I love distance trail running, surfing on the Great Lakes, and gardening.

Key Publications:

  1. Johston, K., Wang, Y., Trace, J., Richard, V., Baker, J., & Roberts, A. (2026). A Bayesian perspective on geographic influences in coach decision-making for athlete identification and selection. Scientific Reports. 16, 8234 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-30791-y.

  2. Johnston, K., Roberts, A., & Baker, J. (2025). 10 considerations for athlete selection: A resource and guide for researchers and practitioners. Sports Coaching Review, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/21640629.2025.2497208

  3. Johnston, K. & Baker, J. (2024). Take Your Pick! Examining Decision-Making Behaviour in Athlete Selection: A Methodological Description and Pilot Study. Invited submission for a special issue in the Journal of Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037/spy0000348

  4. Johnston, K., & Baker, J. (2022). The complex and (sometimes) conflicting beliefs about talent: A case study of elite distance running coaches. Journal of Expertise. 5(1), 38-57.

  5. Johnston, K., Wattie, N., Schorer, J., & Baker, J. (2018). Talent identification in sport: A systematic review. Sports Medicine, 48(1), 97-109. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0803-2

Click here to view all lab publications

Platforms:

  • ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5956-5810

  • Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kathryn-Johnston-3

  • Google Scholar: https://tinyurl.com/mrxkvskh