48 research outputs found
Perception or Reality: The Relationship Between Stereotypes, Discrimination, and the Academic Outcomes of African American Male College Athletes
No full text The current study examined the degree to which stereotypes and racial discrimination affected the academic outcomes of African American male college athletes. Furthermore, the ability of athletic identity and racial identity to moderate this relationship was examined. Participants ( N = 168) were recruited from 13 predominately White institutions across the United States. Results indicated a “tipping point” by which negative stereotypes and discrimination moved from having a positive effect to a negative effect on the academic achievement. In addition, certain dimensions of athletic and racial discrimination were found to moderate the relationship between stereotypes and discrimination and academic outcomes. Findings are discussed in relation to theoretical and practical significance. </jats:p
The Effects of Perceived Racial Discrimination and Racial Identity on the Academic Self-Concept of African American Male College Athletes
No full textResearch on the graduation rates of specific demographic groups indicates that African American male student-athletes are not graduating at the same rate as their peers (Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports, 2009). In addressing the issue of graduation rates, scholars cite that attendance at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) is influential to the academic achievement of African American male student-athletes because they are subject to racial discrimination on college campuses (Hyatt, 2003) and racial discrimination has negative effects on academic achievement (Thomas, Caldwell, Faison, & Jackson, 2009). Given that research has linked academic self-concept and academic achievement for African American male college students (Spurgeon & Meyers, 2003) but a racially discriminatory college environment is damaging to academic achievement and identity variables influence perceptions of discrimination (Sellers & Shelton, 2003), the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between identity variables (i.e. racial and athletic identity), environmental factors (i.e. racial discrimination) and academic outcomes (i.e. academic self-concept and GPAs). To this end, online survey research was used to gather data from African American male student-athletes in order to examine the above relationships. ^ Participants were 168 African American male student-athletes at Division 1 predominately White institutions (PWIs). Data analyses consisted of 1-sample t-tests and moderated hierarchical regression analyses, with analyses being conducted in two parts. Part I found that African American male student-athletes report experiencing racial discrimination in an academic setting. Moreover, Part I found that the racial identity variables of centrality and the public regard racial were significant predictors of athletic and academic racial discrimination. Athletic identity variables were not significant predictors of racial discrimination. ^ Part II found that racial discrimination was a significant predictor of academic achievement as measured by GPA. Athletic discrimination and differential academic treatment positively influenced academic achievement but academic differential effect negatively influenced academic achievement. Finally, the racial identity variable of private regard moderated the relationship between academic racial discrimination and GPA. The results of the study are discussed and contextualized with the larger body of literature examining the academic achievement of African American male student-athletes.
Transition Experiences out of Intercollegiate Athletics: A Meta-Synthesis
No full textGiven the renewed focus as to the degree in which institutions of higher education are preparing their student-athletes for life after sports, this study used a qualitative meta-synthesis research method design to examine the transition experiences of college athletes out of intercollegiate sport. The researcher synthesized data from nine qualitative studies, leading to the identification of six themes characteristic of the transition experience: athletic identity, anticipation and preparation, branching out, satisfaction with athletic performance, loss of camaraderie and support systems. Finally, the manuscript discusses the results of the meta-synthesis in light of their theoretical and practical implications
“But a champion comes out much, much later”: A sport development case study of the 1968 U.S. Olympic team
No full textIncreasing attention has been given to the effective development of elite athletes. In this inquiry, the authors used a historical case study to ascertain the ways elite athletes were developed in a different era of sport in the United States. Using the attraction, retention, and transition frameworks, the factors that fostered the development of athletes from the 1968 Summer Olympics were drawn out through oral history interviews. In total, interviews with 59 U.S. Olympians were conducted. The results reveal how the athletes experienced supportive recruitment and retention environments, were able to manage the difficulty of developing elite talent, and encountered both challenges and opportunities transitioning through and out of elite sport. This analysis demonstrates how sport development principles are diverse in their temporal relevance and reinforce the practical implications meant to serve the modern athlete. Further, at least some sport development principles could remain constant regardless of how context and elite athlete experiences evolve in the future
Gaming during the COVID-19 pandemic: Examining its effect on loneliness & motivation, playing and gratification differences between competitive and recreational gamers
No full textThis study examined the relationship between video game playing and loneliness and compared competitive players and recreational players in gaming, motivations, gratifications and future intentions during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Overall, the study found players felt moderately lonely during the pandemic, and first-person shooter (FPS) games, fighting games and sports games made a difference in overcoming the lonely feelings. The study also found competitive players spent more time on all genres of games. In particular, multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) and fighting games were more popular among competitive players as they were more skill demanding. The study found competitive players and recreational players had different motivations. Competitive players were more motivated by competition, achievement, and Schwabism, whereas the recreational players were more motivated by escape and passing time. Lastly, recreational players felt more gratified than competitive players and expressed a stronger intent to return to gaming in the future than competitive players
College Student-Athlete Identity Unveiled: The Interplay of Racial and Ethnic Subdimensions
No full textThe racialized and institutionalized structure of the NCAA, college sports, and the PWIs that host most athletic programs positions racial and ethnic identity as a potential barrier to the social and academic engagement, mental health, and identity development of student-athletes. However, few studies examine the relationship, role, and influence of racial, student, and athlete identities outside of domain-specific outcomes. We collected data from 343 student-athletes to explore the relationships between student-athletes\u27 academic and athletic identities, race centrality, and private and public regard, while also examining how race and ethnicity influence these identity dynamics. Our results revealed race and ethnicity to have statistically significant effects on three of the five identity constructs, as well as eight significant underlying relationships among the identity constructs, which were further impacted by participants’ racial and ethnic identities. We provide insight into nuanced relationships between academic and athletic identities, race centrality, and private and public regard, and the impact of race and ethnicity on their interrelatedness. Through this study, we addressed critical gaps in literature by responding to calls for more comprehensive analyses of the multidimensional and intersecting identities of student-athletes and further substantiate the need for inclusive support and research on the interplay and development of the identity dynamics among an increasingly diverse student-athlete population
Civil ConFLiCT? A Case Study of the Created Rivalry between the UConn and UCF Football Programs
No full textEagles don\u27t fly with sparrows : Self-determination theory, African American male scholar-athletes and peer group influences on motivation
No full textThe purpose of this study was to explore participants\u27 academic experiences, their academic motivation and the role of peers on their academic achievement. Participants (N = 27) were comprised of high-achieving African American male student-athletes from four academically rigorous American universities on the West Coast. A majority of the participants competed in revenue-generating sports and were interviewed to obtain a deeper understanding of their academic motivations. Using a phenomenological approach, five major themes emerged: (a) My Teammates Have a Flawed View of Success, (b) That\u27s When I Lost Confidence, (c) Don\u27t Believe the Hype, (d) I Wouldn\u27t Let Bad Associations Affect My Level of Success, and (e) I Had to Take Control of My College Experience. Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is examined in relation to the findings. Recommendations for practitioners and scholars working with African American male student-athletes are also expressed
Aspirations Through Association: Using Athletics to Enhance Institutional Prestige
No full textIncreasingly, sport managers are attempting to use athletics to positively affect their colleges' and universities' prestige. To highlight this contemporary issue, this case study presents an athletic director, Dwight Stanley, who has to give a recommendation on whether his institution should maintain its membership in the NJCAA or pursue membership in another athletic association, namely the NAIA or NCAA DIII.This case study is designed to capture the tension sport managers face as they encounter complex decisions. Accordingly, each membership option is presented with its advantages and disadvantages, as well as its supporters and detractors.Consequently, students will be required to critically assess a variety of factors to determine the institution's most feasible course of action. Given the popularity of careers within intercollegiate athletics, this case study provides an excellent way for students to engage in considering the complexities of such positions.Additionally, though the case study is presented within the context of intercollegiate athletics, the analytical process required to select a course of action is transferable to other segments of the sport industry.</jats:p
