The Relationship Between Physical Fitness and Academic Performance in College Club Sports Students
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL FITNESS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN COLLEGE CLUB SPORTS STUDENTS by Jonathan Chung Liberty University A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy Liberty University 2021 2 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL FITNESS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN COLLEGE CLUB SPORTS STUDENTS by Jonathan Chung A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA 2021 APPROVED BY: Michael T. Shenkle, Ed.D., Committee Chair Kurt Y. Michael, Ph.D., Committee Member 3 ABSTRACT Pursuing innovative strategies to improve academic performance is an ongoing priority for many higher education institutions. One area that evidence has shown to further enhance cognitive ability, memory, and focus, but also, enhance the emotional and social well-being of students is through regular physical fitness. The importance of this study was to explore whether the benefits of physical fitness would have a similar impact on academic performance in college club sports students as it does on children as literature is limited concerning this relationship surrounding the college-aged population. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was a relationship between Just Jump System® scores and Grade Point Averages in college club sports students. This study used a quantitative correlational design to address the research questions and test the hypotheses. Archival data consisting of 122 college club sports students among nine club sports teams from a private higher education institution was used for this study. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation was conducted to analyze the archival data. The analyses revealed that there was no significant relationship between the two variables for the cumulative 2019-2020 academic year, the fall 2019, and spring 2020 semesters. The findings indicate that although no significant relationship was found, the overall mean for fitness scores were all above average or higher and the overall mean for grade point averages were all greater than a 3.0. Therefore, further research is recommended in order to determine whether there is a relationship between physical fitness and academic performance within the general college population. Keywords: academic performance, college club sports, Just Jump System®, physical fitness. 4 Dedication This manuscript is dedicated to my family and friends for their continual support and patience over the years. To my entire family, who have all made individual sacrifices to financially, emotionally, and spiritually support me throughout my entire academic journey. To my father, Samuel, for instilling the importance of education and for encouraging me to always strive for excellence. To my mother and sister, Jenny and Min, who provided nutritious recipes and meals that helped me replenish my mind and body to get me through many chaotic weeks. To both of my dogs, Winston and Dillinger, one of which who recently passed away, for always being by my side throughout the many late nights. To my closest friends, mentors, and coaches, who not only provided guidance but also, memorable times to celebrate all of the small victories along the way- I love and thank each and everyone of you as I could not have accomplished this lifelong goal without you. 5 Acknowledgments Although there were many individuals that provided encouragement and support along this journey, the first two individuals that I would like to thank is Dr. Michael Shenkle and Dr. Kurt Michael. Without your coaching, your mastery and expertise in the field, your wisdom, your belief in me, and your flexibility, I am certain that I would not be where I am today, writing this section to thank you for your time and investment towards a major milestone that I am now proud to have accomplished. To my colleagues Kirk Handy, Jeff Boettger, Daniel Berthiaume, and so many others who have not only supported my dreams of completing this study, but also, for understanding and providing me the resources and opportunity to take the time when time was needed, to balance my writing with coaching and work responsibilities- thank you from the bottom of my heart. Lastly, for Liberty University for providing a wonderful experience from start to finish, from the advisors to each faculty member and administrators that spent countless hours to ensure both professional and spiritual growth- I am thankful for the experience and look forward to serving future students the way that I have been served. 6 Table of Contents ABSTRACT .....................................................................................................................................3 Dedication ........................................................................................................................................4 Acknowledgments ............................................................................................................................5 List of Tables ...................................................................................................................................9 List of Figures ................................................................................................................................10 List of Abbreviations .....................................................................................................................11 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................12 Overview ............................................................................................................................12 Background ........................................................................................................................12 Problem Statement .............................................................................................................18 Purpose Statement ..............................................................................................................19 Significance of the Study ...................................................................................................21 Research Question(s) .........................................................................................................22 Definitions ..........................................................................................................................22 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................24 Overview ............................................................................................................................24 Theoretical Framework ......................................................................................................24 Related Literature ...............................................................................................................30 Summary ............................................................................................................................51 CHAPTER THREE: METHODS ..................................................................................................53 Overview ............................................................................................................................53 Design ................................................................................................................................53 7 Research Questions ............................................................................................................54 Hypotheses .........................................................................................................................55 Participants and Setting ......................................................................................................55 Instrumentation ..................................................................................................................60 Procedures ..........................................................................................................................64 Data Analysis .....................................................................................................................67 CHAPTER FOUR: FINDINGS .....................................................................................................69 Overview ............................................................................................................................69 Research Questions ............................................................................................................69 Hypotheses .........................................................................................................................69 Data Screening ...................................................................................................................70 Descriptive Statistics ..........................................................................................................71 Assumption Testing ...........................................................................................................73 Results ................................................................................................................................73 CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSIONS .............................................................................................76 Overview ............................................................................................................................76