Advisor
Gray, Dianna P.
Committee Member
Sharp, Linda A.
Committee Member
Schaffer, Jay R.
Committee Member
Gould, James M.
Department
Sport and Exercise Science
Institution
University of Northern Colorado
Type of Resources
Text
Place of Publication
Greeley (Colo.)
Publisher
University of Northern Colorado
Date Created
8-1-2011
Genre
Thesis
Extent
223 pages
Digital Origin
Born digital
Description
The purpose of the current investigation was to develop and validate a scale that empirically measures fan perceptions toward a rival sports team. Rivalry is talked about on an almost-daily basis, yet little research into the phenomenon exists. Previous research into sport rivalry tends to focus on fan behavior (Wann & Grieve, 2005), consumer behavior (Mahony & Moorman, 1999), and fan evaluations of teams and players (Wann et al., 2006). In the current study, two samples of intercollegiate athletics fans were used to develop and validate the Sport Rivalry Fan Perception Scale (SRFPS). The measure proved reliable and valid as a measure of fan perceptions toward a rival team. Additionally, the SRFPS was examined for any discernable differences between fans. In particular, differences were examined between fans who live in the same city and state as the favorite team and those who do not, and fans who received a degree and/or attended the university where the favorite team plays and those who did not. No significant differences were found among fans regarding the city, state, and degree/attended questions. Possible reasons for the lack of significance are discussed, along with the theoretical and practical implications of the SRFPS and areas for future study.
Notes
[Released from 6-month embargo]
Degree type
PhD
Degree Name
Doctoral
Language
English
Local Identifiers
Havard_unco_0161D_10097.pdf
Rights Statement
Copyright is held by author.
