Investigating the relationship between varsity student-athletes and faculty members
Newman, Jennifer
Honours
2019
MacDonald, Dany
Bachelor of Science
Faculty of Science. Honours in Kinesiology.
Applied Human Sciences
University of Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown, PE
A number of studies have investigated the relationship between student-athletes and faculty members. However, of these previously conducted research projects, one’s done from the perspective of the student-athlete are lacking. In order to better understand this complex dynamic, it is important to investigate the student-athlete’s opinions of their relationships with faculty members as well as their overall comfort of interacting with professors. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine Show moreA number of studies have investigated the relationship between student-athletes and faculty members. However, of these previously conducted research projects, one’s done from the perspective of the student-athlete are lacking. In order to better understand this complex dynamic, it is important to investigate the student-athlete’s opinions of their relationships with faculty members as well as their overall comfort of interacting with professors. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the multi-dimensional relationship between student-athletes and professors focusing largely on the student’s perception. To do this, a total of 20 varsity student-athletes (10 male, 10 female), in their 3rd, 4th or 5th year of eligibility participated in this research. Faculties represented were Arts (5), Business (5) and Science (5), as well as five students from kinesiology (5) were treated as a special group, a decision based off previous research. All seven varsity team sports at UPEI, rugby (W), basketball (M/W), soccer (M/W) and hockey (M/W) were represented. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with each participant to understand the student-athlete experience throughout university and their relationships with professors. Concurrent to the interviews, 33 faculty members completed The Academic Competence Evaluation Scales (ACES) College edition questionnaire to understand professors’ perception of student-athletes. In terms of data analysis, the interviews were transcribed and analyzed both by faculty and by gender to identify the present themes. The data collected from the faculty members was considered strictly descriptive as no significance tests were conducted. Results suggested different experiences and perceptions by student-athletes of professors. The ACES showed minimal differences across faculties and genders of professors, however gave anecdotal evidence that supports past research. The discussion was focus on comparing the results of this study to previous research touching on both faculty and gender differences as well as comparing this Canadian sample to the highly represented American studies. In conclusion, it was found that although there are differences amongst the participants experiences, the general population at this particular institution seem happy with their faculty relationships. Future recommendations as well as areas of study have also been stated. Show less
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