Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Award Date
2018
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Communication Studies and Theatre
First Advisor
Elizabeth Tolman
Keywords
cohesion, communication, ethnography, leadership, sport, track
Abstract
Based on an ethnographic method of observation and ethnographic interviews, this study examined naturally-occurring nonverbal communication and sport communication of a collegiate track and field team. The researcher conducted twentyfour hours of observations and ethnographic interviews with seven research participants (n=7). These approaches provided insight into communicative characteristics of cohesion and leadership, two main conditions of the groupthink theory. An analysis of the observational field notes and ethnographic interviews mostly supported prior research on cohesion and leadership. However, emergent themes are offered, which provide insight into gender communication, sport communication, and small group communication within this setting. A discussion of limitations and future research conclude the study.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Track and field -- Psychological aspects.
Track and field athletes -- Psychology.
College athletes -- Psychology.
Track and field -- Coaching.
Communication in sports.
Nonverbal communication.
Teamwork (Sports)
Description
Includes bibliographical references (pages 111-123)
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
133
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Stier, Dean, "No “I” in Team: A Sport Communication Ethnography of Cohesion and Leadership of a Collegiate Track and Field Team" (2018). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2466.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/2466
Included in
Rights Statement
