Literature Review Blog #1

Citation:

Gaston-Gayles, Joy L. "Examining Academic and Athletic Motivation Among Student Athletes at a Division I University." Journal of College Student Development 45.1 (2004): 75-83. Web.

Summary:
This sources examines academic motivation as a predictor of academic performance for college athletes.  The research study conducted in this source focuses on the "utility of academic and athletic motivation as a key variable in predicting academic performance among 211 college athletes at a Division I institution in the Midwest."  The study found that ACT/SAT scores, ethnicity, background characteristics, and pure academic motivation were significant factors in the "regression model."  The paper begins by examining graduation rates of student-athletes compared to non-athletes, as well as the percentages of the different demographics that make up the student-athletes (white basketball players, black basketball players, white football players, black football players, etc).  It goes on to examine certain predictors of academic success (such as the factors mentioned above) and how each one plays in to a student-athletes academic motivation.

Author:
Joy L. Gaston-Gayles is currently a professor at Florida State University with a focus in the Psychiatry and Psychology field of study.  She has published three research studies; two on student-athletes and their motivation toward academic success, and one on the experiences of a new faculty member in their first three years of employment in higher education administration institution.

Key Terms/Quotes:
"The most recent graduation rate report published by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) indicates that athletes reached an all-time high graduation rate of 60%, compared to 58% for the non-athlete population (NCAA, 2002b). Despite the academic support services that are strongly encouraged and available for student athletes, not all groups of athletes are graduating at the national rate. For example, White basketball players graduated at a rate of 53%, but Black basketball players graduated at a rate of 35%. White football players' graduation rate was 62% and Black football players experienced a 45% graduation rate." Page 1

"The most common predictors of academic performance have traditionally been high school GPA and rank, standardized test scores, and parental education" Page 1

"The seven non-cognitive variables assessed through the Non-Cognitive Questionnaire (NCQ) and reported to be related to academic success are: (a) positive self-concept, (b) realistic self-appraisal, (c) understanding and dealing with racism, (d) setting long-term goals, (e) strong support system, (f) leadership experiences, and (g) community service experience. Further, when SAT scores were combined with non-cognitive variables, predictions of success were more accurate. Non-cognitive variables accurately predict academic performance across 4 years, whereas standardized test scores are only predictive of the first year of college performance." Page 1


This material will help me explore my research question by providing hard facts and statistics on predicting academic success for student-athletes.  It takes a unique approach by analyzing a student-athletes background and demographic in predicting their academic success over the course of four years of undergraduate studying.  This differs from some of my other sources that focus on the present circumstances of a student-athlete at a university and how their current situation plays a role in their academic/athletic success.  It allows for a different perspective of analysis, which is only more beneficial to my research paper.