Publication Date

Fall 2015

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Rick Grieve (Director), Krisstal Clayton, and Pitt Derryberry

Degree Program

Department of Psychology

Degree Type

Master of Arts

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to examine the differences in sport fan motivation factors between mainstream (Minor League baseball) and atypical (roller derby) fans. Eighty-one fans (40 Minor League baseball and 41 roller derby) completed an 8 question demographic survey, a 26-item Sport Fan Motivation Scale, a 7-item Sport Spectator Identification Scale, and a 10-item Sport Fan Exploratory Curiosity Scale. It was believed that fans of Minor League baseball would be more motivated by the entertainment factor than roller derby fans. While roller derby fans would be more motivated by eustress, group affiliation and family factors at the event than Minor League baseball fans. It was also predicted that roller derby fans would be more curious about new sports than Minor League baseball fans. Results showed that Minor League baseball fans were more motivated by the family aspects of the game than roller derby fans. Additionally, it was found that baseball fans were more curious about new sports in general than roller derby fans. Finally, the study found that roller derby fans were more motivated by the aesthetics of the game than Minor League baseball fans.

Disciplines

Experimental Analysis of Behavior | Social Psychology | Sports Studies

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