Court-side View of Fan Influence
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Psychology
Minor
English
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
2nd Student Major
Psychology
2nd Student Minor
Marketing
3rd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
3rd Student Major
Psychology
3rd Student Minor
Sociology
4th Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
4th Student Major
Archeology
4th Student Minor
Psychology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dan Wann
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Research has consistently indicated that spectators engage in various behaviors with the intent to influence the outcomes of sporting events. The current study sought to more clearly understand the different aspects of fan influence and its potential predictors. Team identification, fandom, general influence, superstition, dysfunction, desperation, prayer, instrumental aggression, verbal and behavioral encouragement, and verbal and behavioral distraction were assessed among a population of spectators at a significant university basketball game. The results indicate that all variables are correlated except for desperation. A regression analysis was used to determine individual predictors of various forms of influence. Team identification and general influence predicted total influence, prayer, and verbal encouragement. Team identification and dysfunction predicted verbal distraction. Team identification, general influence, and dysfunction predicted instrumental aggression. Team identification alone predicted encouraging, distracting, and superstitious behaviors. Team identification was the strongest predictor of all forms of fan influence.
Spring Scholars Week 2019 Event
Psychology: Completed Projects
Court-side View of Fan Influence
Research has consistently indicated that spectators engage in various behaviors with the intent to influence the outcomes of sporting events. The current study sought to more clearly understand the different aspects of fan influence and its potential predictors. Team identification, fandom, general influence, superstition, dysfunction, desperation, prayer, instrumental aggression, verbal and behavioral encouragement, and verbal and behavioral distraction were assessed among a population of spectators at a significant university basketball game. The results indicate that all variables are correlated except for desperation. A regression analysis was used to determine individual predictors of various forms of influence. Team identification and general influence predicted total influence, prayer, and verbal encouragement. Team identification and dysfunction predicted verbal distraction. Team identification, general influence, and dysfunction predicted instrumental aggression. Team identification alone predicted encouraging, distracting, and superstitious behaviors. Team identification was the strongest predictor of all forms of fan influence.