Moral Reasoning of Collegiate Athletes and Intramural Sport Athletes: An Investigation of the Influence of Religiosity, Gender, and Type of Sport Played

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of religiosity, gender, and type of sport played (individual or team sport) on levels of moral reasoning for intercollegiate athletes and undergraduate students who are involved in intramural sports. Moral reasoning for this research was defined through the insight and application of Kohlberg’s (1983) moral development theory. The sport specific measurement instrument utilized for this study was also grounded in Kant’s (1968) deontological ethical framework, which focuses on moral reasoning from a duty and obligation perspective. This research is important as a means for better understanding the reasoning behind why some unethical behavior occurs in sport, since scholars believe that moral reasoning is a good predictor of actual ethical behavior (University of Idaho Center of ETHICS*, 2009). Research questions were formulated to compare the level of moral reasoning (dependent variable) among intercollegiate and intramural sport athletes on the independent variables of gender, type of sport played, and personal religiosity. Study participants (N= 213) from a large, Midwestern university were administered the Hahm-Beller Values Choice Inventory (HBVCI), which consists of 16 moral dilemma items common to sport (University of Idaho Center of ETHICS*, 2009). Additionally, respondents answered 7 questions related to their personal religiosity via the Religiosity Measures Questionnaire (RMQ) that was developed by Rohrbaugh and Jessor (1975). Once data were collected statistical tests such as an independent samples t-test, simple linear regression and multiple regression analysis were run to help determine the relationship between independent variables and the dependent variable The results of this study indicated that female athletes morally reason at a higher level than male athletes, and that individual sport athletes morally reason at a higher level than team sport athletes. Also, it was found that neither gender nor type of sport played moderated the relationship between personal religiosity and moral reasoning; however, it was determined that a negative correlation existed between personal religiosity and moral reasoning for this sample of athletes. As this study further tested variables related to moral reasoning in the sport context, it is recommended that sport mangers such as coaches and athletic administrators design and implement moral development educational programs for athletes at the collegiate level. Since moral reasoning is believed to be a predictor of ethical behavior, it is imperative that sport leaders continue to find ways to develop higher levels of moral reasoning among the athletes entrusted to their care.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

EDU Physical Activity and Educational Services

Grantor dc:publisher

The Ohio State University

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Lyons, Vincent L.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Turner, Brian

• Sports Management

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1365427134

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:osu1365427134