In my research article, I will look at the relationship between artistic expression and technical execution in Olympic ice skating. Despite the widely held view that artistic abilities improve overall performance and are required for competition success, I suggest that a greater emphasis on artistic expression may lead to a decline in technical performance.
Recent studies in sports science have demonstrated a significant shift in scoring criteria over time, with an emphasis on artistic presentation rather than technical proficiency. For example, an examination of Olympic scoring trends reveals that, while artistic ratings have risen, technical scores for many elite skaters have remained stagnant or even decreased.
How I intend to use it: This source will be used to support my claim that there has been a shift in judging priorities, specifically the trend toward favoring artistic presentation over technical execution, as evidenced by historical scoring data.
https://usfigureskatingfanzone.com/news/2019/12/16/davis-and-white-lead-us-figure-skating-hall-of-fame-class-of-2020.aspx(McNeil, 2020)
This is concerning because Olympic ice skating is basically a sport that blends technical ability with artistic expression.
How I intend to use it: This research helps to illustrate the core argument that both aspects of skating—artistic and technical—should remain balanced, and that any significant shifts could undermine the sport’s integrity. The study highlights the importance of sports science in tracking performance metrics.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11332-023-01109-0
https://www.nist.gov/pml/owm/metric-sports-winter-games-fast-facts
One of the most noticeable aspects of this phenomena is its psychological influence on skaters. Because they are under pressure to perform artistically, many may focus less on doing challenging jumps and spins, which are necessary for technical quality.
How I intend to use it: This source provides background on how these changes in scoring criteria have impacted skaters’ approach to competitions, influencing their mental and physical focus during performances.
This raises serious concerns regarding the judging criteria and whether they jeopardize the integrity of the sport. Furthermore, this shift in focus may result in the promotion of a less technically challenging skating style, which will have an impact on the future of competitive skating.
How I intend to use it: This source helps to illustrate how precise measurements and data collection have become key in tracking technical proficiency, and how this can be used to analyze the long-term effects of the shift toward artistry in figure skating.
https://www.nist.gov/pml/owm/metric-sports-winter-games-fast-facts
By delving into the intricate interplay between artistic and technical components in Olympic ice skating, I hope to shed light on a crucial and frequently overlooked topic in the sport. My research will highlight the ramifications of prioritizing creative expression and urge for a rethinking of how we measure performance in Olympic ice skating by analyzing recent competitions, scoring data, and conducting interviews with skaters and coaches.
How I intend to use it: This source will be crucial in identifying expert perspectives from athletes and coaches, offering insights on how they have adapted to changes in the judging system, and what they believe the future of the sport should look like.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11332-023-01109-0
Counterintuitive Fall 2024 
The phrasing of your proposal is beyond competent, GOAT, but your assignment is missing its +5.
I’m hoping that between now and when I see you in the morning you’ll have collected at least a few of your first five sources. Thank you for accepting the challenge I proposed to you. This line of questioning is much more intriguing, at least to me, than the first idea you floated.
I’m encouraged that you claim sports science has been keeping records on the technical proficiency aspect of performances. You’ll have to show that now that you’ve claimed it, of course. I’ll be watching.