Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Availability

Open Access Thesis

Keywords

Gender identity--Iowa--Cedar Falls; Sports--Iowa--Cedar Falls--Psychological aspects; College students--Iowa--Cedar Falls--Attitudes; College students--Attitudes; Gender identity; Sports--Psychological aspects; Iowa--Cedar Falls; Academic theses;

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of gender identity on expectancies for success and perceived task value. The Short form of the Bern Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI-SF) was used to identify four gender identities, androgynous, feminine, masculine, and undifferentiated. The Self- and Task- Perception Questionnaire measured expectancies and task values on three physical activities. One hundred thirty-three students (62 males and 71 females) at the University of Northern Iowa who were enrolled in the aerobic training session of the personal wellness class participated. The mean age of the participants was 20.2 years (SD= 1.9). AN OVA results indicated that gender identity did not influence expectancies for success or perceived task values (p > .05). However, post hoc t-test results revealed significant differences among male and female participants' expectancies for success and perceived task values. Possible explanations include limited sample diversity and questions regarding the validity of the BSRI-SF in today's contemporary society. It was recommended that future research sample a wider variety of participants, re-examine the current form of the BSRI-SF, or perhaps even develop new dimensions of personality better able to assess current perceptions of masculine and feminine characteristics. In addition, future research should examine the reasons for the gender differences for expectancies for success and perceived task values. Finally, physical educators were encouraged to provide a wide range of masculine and feminine activities for individuals to participate in and to use multiple teaching strategies in order to reduce the traditional social expectations and values regarding the gender appropriateness of physical activity.

Year of Submission

2007

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services

First Advisor

Mick G. Mack

Second Advisor

Jennifer J. Waldron

Third Advisor

Nancy P. Hamilton

Comments

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Date Original

2007

Object Description

1 PDF file (77 leaves)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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