Research Paper 1

Title Page (Cover Page)
Abstract (Executive Summary)

Table of Contents
Rationale (Needs Assessment/Objectives)
Introduction
The COM 227 Communications Research Methods class
studied the reasons why Indiana Wesleyan University students do
or do not attend Indiana Wesleyan University Athletic events. All
research and information collected in the efforts of this class will
be presented to the Indiana Wesleyan University Athletic
Department. With the research findings the Athletic Department
will have deeper insight into their promotional tactics, and
attendance information. This information can be used to improve
attendance and promotional tactics for upcoming seasons.
Literature Review
The Athletic Director, Mark DeMichael invited the COM 227
Communications Research Methods class to work with him to
study the attendance of students at Indiana Wesleyan University
athletic events. Tom Prinsen, the Research Investigator set up
this study with DeMichael and he later came to an informative
interview and brainstorming session with the class on October 8th
2014. Throughout this meeting, DeMichael gave background to
the Athletic Departments promotional tactics and trends in
student attendance at athletic events dating back 3 years ago.

The main focus of his interview, and working with us was to
understand the rationale behind student attendance at athletic
events, effectiveness of current promotional material and how to
better promote the athletic events and the department.
Research Questions
From the time spent with DeMichael, the class narrowed
the needs down to three researchable areas, and from this came
three research questions addressing student attendance and
promotional materials. The three questions are as stated below,
Why do you attend or not attend athletic events?

How have you heard about athletic events in the
past?
In the future, how would you prefer to hear about
athletic events?
Method
Methodology
Focus Group Method
Date (Approximate): Tuesday, November 11

Time: 9:00 pm 10:00 pm
Location: Elder 140-A
Moderator: Sean Huncherick (Student)

Camera Operator: Kyle Johnson (Student)
Research Advisor: Dr. Tom Prinsen
(Prof. Division of Communication and Theatre)
Size: 8 student participants
Criteria for Participants:
2 student athletes
2 females, 3 males
1 freshman, 3 seniors, 1 super senior
No commuter students
No minors
Sampling Method: We attempted to sample students using a

random number generator and class lists. However, we only got
one positive response from the student body, and he ended up
cancelling the night of the focus group. Therefore, the focus
group team each contacted acquaintances in hopes of achieving
the demographics planned: 8 students, 5 females, three males,
no student athletes, and two from each class. However, we
werent able to achieve the planned criteria for participants, and
settled for the criteria listed above.
Methodology: We conducted a focus group with 5 students who

have been selected using the method listed above. During the
focus group, the research advisor and a maximum of four
researchers were present, one of whom was the camera operator
and one of who was the moderator. Pizza will be provided for the
participants by the research team. The focus group is video
recorded. The recording is in the research advisors office, which
is locked when he is not present. It will be kept for a maximum of
three years and then deleted.
Structure of Focus Group Discussion:

I.
II.
III.
Why do you attend or not attend athletic events?

How have you heard about athletic events in the past?
In the future, how would you prefer to hear about
athletic events?
Survey Method
Web Based:
The survey was administered via the inclusion of a link in The
Daily Development to an online version. Students were simply be
asked to please click the link to take part in a survey about their
reasons for attending or not attending IWU Athletic Events. The
link is: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Y3zeMpjPYfyfr_iXmqvJyn_nrRgrXXDGtlyGLiU-Lg/viewform?usp=send_form
The invitation to take the survey as placed in the Daily

Development follows below:
Do you go to IWU Athletic Events? Why? Why not?
The COM 227 class has formed a survey to discover why

residential students do or do not attend athletic events
on campus. Your response is valued and will help us
understand what the Athletic Department can do to
increase attendance and build school pride. The survey
should take about three to six minutes to complete and
will be available now through November 10th. Thank you!
Click here to take the survey. [link to survey]
Hard Copy:
The survey will also be administered via hard copy within select
classes. Members of the research team will be selecting general
education courses in which to distribute the survey. This will offer
a wide variety of majors and students. Specific general education
professors will be asked if research members may distribute
surveys in their class. Once permission is obtained, research
members and the professor will determine a class period in
which to survey students. One or two research members will

arrive at the designated class period and will have the professor
leave the room while the survey is administered so the professor
will not know which students do or do not participate in the
study. The research team members will distribute the surveys
and informed consent documents to students and instruct
students to place their completed surveys and informed consent
documents into an envelope at the front of the room. The
research members will ask for a student to volunteer to collect
the envelope and notify the research members once all surveys
and informed consent documents have been placed in the
envelope. The research members will then join the professor
outside of the classroom and students will begin to complete the
survey if they are willing to do so. Students will spend three to
five minutes taking the survey, and then the research members
will collect the envelope upon notification from the student
volunteer. Students that have already taken the survey in
another class will be asked to not take it again. Classes being
surveyed may include COM-100, PHL-180, MUS-180, PSY-150,
SOC-150, WRI-165, BIL-101, BIL-102, HST-180 and potentially
other classes as needed.
Results
Surveys
Method of Surveying
In Classes
Online
Total
Number of Surveys Taken

297
119
416
The survey was taken by 416 students total. There were 297 students who took it during
class and 119 students who took it online.
Question 1: What is your current year as an IWU Student?
Year
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Super Senior
Number of Students
139
148
72
50
7
Percent of Students
33.4%
35.6%
17.3%
12.0%
1.7%
The survey was taken by 139 freshmen (33.4%), 148 sophomores (35.6%), 72 juniors
(17.3%), 50 seniors (12.0%) and 7 super seniors (1.7%).
The sample size for this question was 416.
Question 2: What is your gender?
Gender
Male
Female
Prefer Not to Disclose
Number of Students
130
282
2
Percent of Students
31.4%
68.1%
0.5%
The survey was taken by 130 male students (31.4%), 282 female students (68.1%) and 2
students who preferred not to disclose their gender (0.5%).
Question 3: What is your major(s)?
Major
Did not report/Unknown
Accounting
Addictions Counseling
Adolescent Ministries
Applied Health and Fitness
Applied Music
Athletic Training
Bachelor of Music in Performance
Biblical Literature
Biology Education
Biology
Business Administration
Ceramics
Chemistry
Childrens Ministry
Christian Education
Christian Ministries
Christian Worship
Church Music
Computer Information Systems
Computer Science
Convergent Journalism
Criminal Justice
Entrepreneurship
Economics
Elementary Education Elementary
English
English Education
Exceptional Needs Education (P-12)
Exceptional Needs Education (P-6)
Exercise Science
Finance
Graphic Design
History
Human Communication Studies
Illustration
Intercultural Studies
Number of Students
13
9
2
1
1
2
6
3
3
1
9
29
1
3
2
1
18
5
7
4
4
2
9
6
6
28
3
2
3
2
14
11
4
2
3
2
9
Interior Design
International and Community Development
International Relations
Leadership
Management
Marketing
Mathematics Education
Mathematics
Media Communication
Media Design
Media Technology
Music Education
Music Therapy
Nursing
Philosophy and Theology
Photography
Physical and Health Education
Physics
Political Science Pre-Law
Pre-Art Therapy
Pre-Medical Science
Psychology
Recreation Management
Science Education
Social Studies Education
Social Work
Spanish Education
Spanish
Sports Management
Sports Ministries
Strategic Communication
TESOL Education
TESOL
Theatre
Visual Arts Education
Writing
Youth Ministries
Pre-Declared
4
2
5
6
2
19
1
1
6
3
1
3
2
76
1
3
1
2
2
5
9
22
1
1
3
22
2
2
6
6
6
3
2
6
2
3
9
11
In total, 491 majors were reported. There were 339 students with one major or unknown,
73 students with double majors and 2 students with triple majors. In total, 73 majors were
represented.
Question 4: Did you participate in IWUs Fall 2014 NSO as an incoming freshman or
transfer student? If so, did NSO help in your awareness of the Athletic Department and
their events?
Participation in NSO Fall 2014 (All)
Students who participated
Students who did not participate
Number of Students
187
228
Participation in NSO Fall 2014 (Freshmen

Only)
Students who participated
Students who did not participate
Number of Students
Participating Students Awareness of

Athletics from NSO (All)
NSO helped awareness
NSO did not help awareness
Number of Students
Participating Students Awareness of

Athletics from NSO (Freshmen Only)
NSO helped awareness
NSO did not help awareness
Number of Students
137
278
53
134
40
97
When freshmen, transfers and others who may have participated in IWUs Fall 2014 NSO
in roles other than as students, are considered, 187 students reported that they participated
and 228 students reported that they did not. Of these 187 students who reported
participating, 53 thought that NSO helped raise awareness of athletics, while 134 thought
that it did not help.
When only freshmen are considered, 137 freshmen reported participating in IWUs Fall
2014 NSO, leaving 278 students who did not participate as freshmen. Of these 137
students who reported participating, 40 thought that NSO helped raise awareness of
athletics, while 97 thought that it did not help.
Question 5: Are you an IWU student athlete? If so, do you attend athletic events outside
of your own?
Student Status
Student Athlete
Non Student Athlete
Number of Students
56
341
Athlete Attendance
Number of Students
10
Athletes who attend other athletic events

48
Athletes who do not attend other athletic events 8
Out of 397 students, 56 students reported that they were athletes. Of those 56 student
athletes, 48 reported that they attend athletic events other than their own.
Question 6: Which sports have you attended or do you plan to attend during this
academic year?
Sport
Mens Cross Country
Womens Cross Country
Mens Golf
Womens Golf
Mens Soccer
Womens Soccer
Mens Tennis
Womens Tennis
Womens Volleyball
Mens Basketball
Womens Basketball
Mens Baseball
Womens Softball
Mens and Womens Indoor Track and Field
Mens and Womens Outdoor Track and Field
Number of Students Who Have Attended or

Plan to Attend
23
29
2
4
255
87
30
41
171
297
153
103
41
54
61
Average Number of Sports Attended

3.2
Number of Sports A Student Has Attended
or Plans to Attend
Zero
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Number of Students
45
65
66
83
45
30
36
23
10
7
2
11
Eleven
Twelve
Thirteen
Fourteen
Fifteen
2
0
1
0
0
The survey shows that 23 students have attended or plan to attend a Mens Cross
Country meet, 29 students have attended or plan to attend a Womens Cross Country
meet, 2 students have attended or plan to attend a Mens Golf match, 4 students have
attended or plan to attend a Womens Golf match, 255 students have attended or plan to
attend a Mens Soccer game, 87 students have attended or plan to attend a Womens
Soccer game, 30 students have attended or plan to attend a Mens Tennis match, 41
students have attended or plan to attend a Womens Golf match, 171 students have
attended or plan to attend a Womens Volleyball game, 297 students have attended or plan
to attend a Mens Basketball game, 153 students have attended or plan to attend a
Womens Basketball game, 103 students have attended or plan to attend a Mens Baseball
game, 41 students have attended or plan to attend a Womens Softball game, 54 students
have attended or plan to attend a Mens and Womens Indoor Track and Field meet, and
61 students have attended or plan to attend a Mens and Womens Outdoor Track and
Field meet.
The average number of sports students have attended or plan to attend is 3.2 sports.
The survey shows that for this academic year, 45 students plan to attend zero sports
games, 65 students plan to attend one sports game, 66 students plan to attend two
different sports games, 83 students plan to attend three different sports games, 45
students plan to attend four different sports games, 30 students plan to attend five
different sports games, 36 students plan to attend six different sports games, 23 students
plan to attend seven different sports games, 10 students plan to attend eight different
sports games, 7 students plan to attend nine different sports games, 2 students plan to
attend ten different sports games, 2 students plan to attend eleven different sports games
and 1 student plan to attend thirteen different sports games.
Question 7: To what degree do you agree or disagree with the following statements
regarding the reasons why you DO attend Athletic Events?
Statement
I attend Athletic Events because of the social
nature.
I attend Athletic Events because they are free
to students.
I attend Athletic Events because of my school
Average Response (1 to 5 Scale; 1=Strongly

Disagree, 2=Disagree, 3=Neutral, 4=Agree,
5=Strongly Agree)
3.7
4.0
3.4
12
pride.
I attend Athletic Events because I enjoy
Collegiate Athletics.
I attend Athletic Events because I have friends
on the teams.
I attend Athletic Events because of the teams
standing (Win/Loss Record).
3.6
3.4
2.8
The average response students gave regarding the degree to which they agree or disagree
with the statement I attend Athletic Events because of the social nature was 3.7
(Neutral).
with the statement I attend Athletic Events because they are free to students was 4.0
(Agree).
with the statement I attend Athletic Events because of my school pride was 3.4
(Neutral).
with the statement I attend Athletic Events because I enjoy Collegiate Athletics was 3.6
(Neutral).
with the statement I attend Athletic Events because I have friends on the teams was 3.4
(Neutral).
with the statement I attend Athletic Events because of the teams standing (Win/Loss
Record) was 2.8 (Disagree).
regarding the reasons why you DO NOT attend Athletic Events?
Statement
I do not attend Athletic Events because I am
too busy with school work.
I do not attend Athletic Events because I do not
have friends on the team.
I do not attend Athletic Events because I have
night class.
Average Response (1 to 5 Scale; 1=Strongly

Disagree, 2=Disagree, 3=Neutral, 4=Agree,
5=Strongly Agree)
3.8
2.8
2.3
13

strong family commitments.
I do not attend Athletic Events because my job
conflicts with game times.
I do not attend Athletic Events because I am in
a dating relationship or married.
no interest in Sports.
active in Extracurricular Activities.
not aware of the Athletic Event schedule.
2.1
2.5
2.0
2.1
2.6
2.7
with the statement I do not attend Athletic Events because I am too busy with school
work was 3.8 (Agree).
with the statement I do not attend Athletic Events because I do not have friends on the
team was 2.8 (Disagree).
with the statement I do not attend Athletic Events because I have night class was 2.3
(Disagree).
with the statement I do not attend Athletic Events because I have strong family
commitments was 2.1 (Disagree).
with the statement I do not attend Athletic Events because my job conflicts with game
times was 2.5 (Disagree).
with the statement I do not attend Athletic Events because I am in a dating relationship
or married was 2.0 (Disagree).
with the statement I do not attend Athletic Events because I have no interest in Sports
was 2.1 (Disagree).
with the statement I do not attend Athletic Events because I am active in Extracurricular
Activities was 2.6 (Disagree).
14
with the statement I do not attend Athletic Events because I am not aware of the Athletic
Event schedule was 2.7 (Disagree).
Question 9: In what ways have you become aware of Athletic Events?
Facebook
121
Sojourn
66
Banners
Chapel
211
169
Instagram
66
Word of
Mouth
327
Twitter
117
Website
91
Portal
147
Calendar
Email
App
None
230
197
46
11
In the ways that students have become made aware, the order is as follows:
Word of mouth ranked highest at 327
Event Calendar ranked 2nd at 230
Banners ranked 3rd at 211
And the remainder of these can be ranked in the same way.
There were a total of 414 respondents for question number 9.
Question 10: What are the top five ways you would prefer to become aware of upcoming
Athletic Events?
Number of times ranked in that position
Com.
Method
Facebook
Sojourn
Instagram
Website
Portal
Banners
Chapel
Word of
Mouth
Event
Calendar
Email
Daily
Develop.
App.
30
12
13
17
35
24
42
Avg.
Rank
2.8
3.2
2.8
3.2
3
2.8
2.9
Times in
Top 5
165
50
108
66
183
201
208
30
36
2.8
206
29
44
36
177
27
11
24
22
2.9
109
41
20
32
19
46
3.1
158
13
11
2.8
48
46
7
22
12
37
50
50
30
10
27
9
37
33
48
26
10
28
14
35
53
31
33
11
18
14
39
41
37
54
40
46
40
28
25
*For the above table, Facebook ranked in all surveys number one 46 times, number two
30 times, number three 26 times, number four 33 times, and number five 30 times.
15
Facebook had an average ranking of 2.8 out of 5 and was present in the surveys top five
ways of preferred advertising 165 times.
You can do this with this with the remaining modes of communication.
*118 surveys were conducted online and the online version of the survey did not offer
separate categories for email and the Daily Developments. This means that the email
category figure is understated.
There were a total of 412 respondents to this question.
Question 11: Would you be willing to receive a game-day text from IWU Athletics for
sports you select? If yes, what sport(s) would you prefer to be notified of?
Number of Students Willing to Receive Game-Day Text
200
Sport
Mens
CC
12
Womens
CC
12
Mens
Golf
7
Womens
Golf
8
Mens
Soccer
93
Sport
Womens
Tennis
Womens
Volleyball
Number
of
Student
s
13
44
Mens
Basketbal
l
152
Womens
Basketbal
l
122
Mens
Basebal
l
29
Number
of
Students
Womens
Soccer
70
Womens
Softball
11
Mens
Tennis
13
Indoo
r
Track
15
For this question there was a total of 408 respondents. Out of those 408 respondents, 200
marked that they would be willing to accept game day texts for their desired sport.
Out of the 200 respondents, 12 marked that they would receive game day text reminders
for Mens Cross Country.
Out of the 200 respondents, 12 marked that they would receive game day text reminders
for Womens Cross Country.
Out of the 200 respondents, 7 marked that they would be willing to receive game day text
reminders for Mens Golf.
16
Outdoor
Track
16
Out of the 200 respondents, 8 marked that they would be willing to receive game day text
reminders for Womens Golf.
Out of the 200 respondents, 93 marked that they would be willing to receive game day
text reminders for Mens Soccer.
text reminders for Womens Soccer.
text reminders for Mens Tennis.
text reminders for Womens Tennis.
text reminders for Womens Volleyball.
text reminders for Mens Basketball.
text reminders for Womens Basketball.
text reminders for Mens Baseball.
text reminders for Womens Softball.
text reminders for Indoor Track and Field.
text reminders for Outdoor Track and Field.
Question 12: How effective do you believe the Athletic Department is at raising
awareness of upcoming Athletic Events?
The average result for question number 12 and the overall awareness that students have
of upcoming events was 2.9 out of a 5.
The Sample size for this question was 405.
Question 13: Do you know what the 6th Man Club is? If you marked Yes, are you a part
of the 6th Man Club?
17
Students who know about the sixth man club

184
Students who marked as members

37
For this question there was a total of 409 respondents. Out of those respondents, 184
students marked that they were aware of the 6th Man Club. Out of those 184 students that
were aware of the club, 37 marked that he/she are members of the 6th Man Club.
regarding the reasons why you DO attend athletic events?
Statement
Average Response
Athletic Department
does theme nights
2.8
Athletic Department
does giveaways
2.6
Athletic Department
hosts tail gate parties
2.5
Respondents on average rated the reason in why they attend athletic events due to theme
nights at 2.8 out of 5.
Respondents on average rated the reason in why they attend athletic events due to prizes
and giveaways at a 2.6 out of 5.
Respondents on average rated the reason in why they attend athletic events due to tail
gate parties at a 2.5 out of 5.
For this question there were a total of 405 respondents.
Question 15: If there is anything else that you think we should know about why you do or
do not attend Athletic Events or about communicating with you about Athletic Events,
please tell us here:
I didn't know there was an app, but a text would be more effective
Primarily for Hodson Scotsmen
Our school needs more school pride and sports we can rally behind like football
I mostly went to events last year because my friends went and it was a nice break
from homework. This year, I am way too busy with school work and my job to
have time to go.
Announce upcoming games a day or so before they happen so we can create time
in our schedule to go to games. Announce a lot more when games are!!!!!!
Just tired & homework
Mostly I'm just really busy with homework
I attend because I have to
I don't attend because I don't like watching sports. There is no specific reason.
I attend basketball because I am in the pep band
More banners/flyers in the student center for boys & girls athletics. There's a
small one in Wildcat, but I just noticed it there. How long has it been up there??
18
N/A
I know too many people who shurg off chapel announcements. Don't do that,
flyers/banners throughout the main part of the Student Center are much more
effective.
I do not attend athletic events because I commute from Fort Wayne, so when class
is out I am ready to go home. I do not live on campus.
Need more variety during timeouts at basketball games.
Raise more awareness
I rarely know when games are - or what records are! I'd love to know/be update
how we're doing.
I know the 6th man is associated with Basketball, but (don't know about the club.
I would like info.
YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB!
I don't find watching sports entertaining and I have better ways to entertain myself
Nothing
More tailgating type events. We want footbal.
don't hear about it in advance, therefore I cannot pla it into homework schedule
N/A
we need football
all us to be actual college students at events, a lot of people don't come because
ya'll treat us like a bunch of high school kids. Q14 N/A (6th man pres. Is not good
at pushing out themes so we (students) make our own) (what tailgates?)
I love attending the men's basketball games, but 1.) feel like I dont have time due
to homework + 2.) sometimes I don't know the schedule of games
I most do not attend athletic events because 1.) play 2.) sports on top of school (no
time)
I did not attend sporting events because I do not/understand sports.
ADVERTISE MORE!!
Did not finish
Not Really
I would if they had tailgates!
NA
There is a lot of time conflictions across the board between different majors to
attend these events
It's hard to attend when your major doesn't allow for much free time to be social
or even relax..
I only hear about soccer or basketball. It would be nice to hear about the other
teams.
I attend b/c I get paid
We don't even have tailgates?
Do we have tailgates?
Make events more aware to public. Also, let public know how they did!
19
More themed games

I do not love going to IWU's sporting events because of the lack of school spirit.
At bigger universities they are all about school spirit, not just at sporting events,
but all the time. I think this is something that would make IWU's campus and
sporting events more fun. I also think tailgates before every game (like big
universities) would help increase the traffic to the games. And the student section
is very quiet and not involved during games, which I believe is something that
needs to be changed. At bigger universities they get together before the season
starts, come up with cheers/chants for the game, get a t-shirt(that everyone wears
to the game), and learn the players names, which I think is something that could
make the IWU students more involved in sporting events.
I wish there was more awareness.
There is no spirit on the campus. If there were, a lot of other people would go!!
I mostly attend games because I work them in some way shape or form.
I play softball so I obviously attend games. But I think some sports (such as
softball) are not given as much attention as other sports on campus (like men's
basketball) and I think this needs to change
I don't hear about athletic events, but if I knew more about them I would probably
attend more.
Conflicting times with performances in my major
There is no school spirit here. Students are bored because they don't feel that
NAIA basketball is important (Compared to NCAA)
Sixth Man makes it feel like a high school game, and I absolutely hate that.
As a student, I did not know that games were free to IWU students.
For basketball, I don't attend because the atmosphere reminds me of high school
basketball games--not a professional arena that garners the activity and hype most
college sports do. Also, the lack of large crowd participation and chants and
cheers and interaction make it less fun to go to events.
I do not attend athletic events because the draw to go to games is not really there.
The atmosphere is fun sometimes, so I go to the games against Taylor.
Mostly I don't have time, but our school spirit is very low here. I think the
Athletic department department really should think of creative ways to improve
that without being cheesy or in your face about things.
I work a lot of the games for the television station, but I would go to them
anyway.
There is not a lot of school pride/excitement. (which is unfortunate)
Make it a big deal to set students to athletic events.
Nope, I'm just lazy sometimes and don't go
I am an athlete, I like to watch other athletes
Just make it more well-known. The communication stinks. And update the
app!!!!!
If there were more theme nights...
There is nothing wrong with said events, I just do not enjoy sports of any kind.
20
Really the only reason I don't attend is because I am either working or studying.
More info about games that aren't in the pamphlet like playoff games.
I go for pepband.
I am a bio-pre med major, I usually have too much homework or studying to
attend. I'm not that into sports, but I do think the game-day texts is a good idea for
those who are.
The sports here are boring. Get contact sports and more people would attend.
The rugby team would be a great addition.
I've heard about the 6th man club, but I have 2 idea how it works or how to
become part of it.
2t my cup of tea, also there needs to be a NA answer on #6
I think that there should be a 6th man club for sports other than just basketball.
This would promote the less popular sports and create cohesiveness between the
sports.
For me it's academics why I don't go
I do 2t attend a lot of basketball games because the home games I have heard of
are on a Wednesday or Friday night. Wednesdays interfere with Youth Group, and
Friday nights. I am swamped with homework and I find little reason to spend it
supporting a student section that does 2t support itself. I participated for a year to
end up being one out of eight guys who were interested in participating. I would
much rather get out of here with my degree and good grades rather than waste my
time with an uninterested student body. Brutal... 1, honest... absolutely.
I feel it is important to support all areas of extracurricular work of the students
when they have put so much of their time into perfecting their skills.
Part of my job is working various athletic events, and I am sure this is a reason
why quite a few other people attend the events as well.
Less rules about stuff and I'll go
21
Focus Group Results

*The discussion notes from the focus group are the ideas of the focus group participants,
but are not word for word unless in quotation marks.
Date: Monday, November 24
Time: 9:30 pm 10:05 pm
Location: Elder 140-A
Moderator: Sean Huncherick
Camera Man: Kyle Johnson
Research Advisor: Tom Prinsen
Participants:
1. Jake Aardema
Chemistry Major
Senior
Cross Country and Track and Field Athlete
2. Haley Meek
Strategic Communication Major
Freshman
Track and Field Athlete
3. Mike Pattengale
Business and Marketing Major
Super Senior
4. Maggie Pender
Nursing Major
22
Senior
5. Luke Smith
International Relations Major
Senior
Discussion Topics and Notes:
What is the most fun athletic event you have ever attended in college and why?
Memorable experiences at IWU Games
When we play Taylor, and some of the other teams in our conference. Those
games are more personal because it is our conference.
Watching mens tennis because I am friends with people on the team and go with
my friends (Maggie)
The Soccer and Basketball teams standout because
They are good
Most familiar with those two sports
The atmosphere of those games
A lot of the people attend that like the sport
Comment on free admission to students at games
Because it is free, it draws people to games
I would not pay $2
The qualities of game/events that make them enjoyable
If team is good or well-established
Rivalry
Personal investment- i.e. grew up as a fan, alumni
Why dont you attend athletic events/what gets most in the way of your attending athletic
events?
Reasons why I do NOT attend athletic events (mentioned by focus group members)
Night class
Homework
Finals and Midterms week
My classes are really back heavy. (Maggie)
If other people dont want to go. Attending is social and I want to go with a group.
Weather. For example at a soccer game we dont have protection for the stands
and they are metal bleachers (Mike)
23
How have you heard about athletic events in the past? How well do you think the athletic
department does at promoting its events?
How well the athletic depart does at promoting games
Know basketball and soccer games but not for other sports because they are not
advertised as much
It depends what kind of game it is
The basketball team did a white out and some other things this year that I did not
know about.it was awkward because half of fans were not wearing white
Students said that they do not think of any method over one method of promotion
over the other
I prefer to find out Twitter over Facebook (Mike)
Soccer Twitter is GREAT. I feel connected even when I am not attending games.
(Mike)
Does basketball have one? (referring to Twitter)
In the future, how would you prefer to hear about athletic events?
How the athletic department should promote games in the future
Chapel slides are good (followed by head nods from other participants)
Posters in the Mallway for big games
Word of mouth in the Mallway- have teams and people out there spreading the
word
Mallway tables make me nervous. (Maggie)
How do you find out about other events on campus?
How we find out about other events on campus:
Fusion Mallway table stands out. They have a TV, boombox always playing,
screens, people always there, etc. THAT stands out in the student center.
Tradition. You know the big events are coming. (Jake)
Giant banners in the Mallway
Word of mouth
The After Party yard signs
Multiple mediums, multiple places
Portal = No
Daily Developments = Yes for some
How would you feel about receiving a game day text?
Texts
I would be OK with texts as long as it would not be abused. Space them out.
One per event. Not like the Daily Developments. Need to select specific
sports. Notification on an app would be better.
24
App
We have an app? (3/5 participants did not know about the app; Jake, who is an
athlete, who knew about it, and so did Luke)
Add notifications to the app
Add a Calendar Syncing option to app
I think the app just hasnt been pushedI stumbled upon it on accident. (Luke)
Would you be interested in a tailgating event?

Tailgating
I would go for free food
Should have drawings for prizes
Ball State has good tailgating
Tailgating is associated with drinking?
Free T-shirts!
Our athletic department doesnt do as well as other schools at giving out
free T-shirts. (Jake)
Half-time
Basketball game half-time stuff is really lame. (Mike)
It is always the same. Its always watching two people make the half-time
shot. (Mike)
Have a THEME
Different ways to win prizes
Once there was a rapper. I thought that was cool.
Music! Musical talent all over campus. Something other than the pep band.
Like Crema artists.would draw a different crowd
Puppy Play Day during half-time
Do you have any ideas for the athletic department?
Other Ideas for the athletic department:
More free shirts, apparel
More clothing options
Use the Com Ticker for Campus News including athletic events
25
Night Class Results

SP20
14
FA201
3
SP20
13
FA201
2
SP20
12
FA201
1
SP20
11
Monday
326
354
329
415
337
439
461
Tuesday
402
349
316
372
419
420
450
Wednesd
ay
62
59
41
36
25
32
17
Thursday
132
114
93
115
173
121
153
Friday
*Numbers represent number of students enrolled in classes on the

specific semester and day.
**Information provided by Christi Zirkle, Technical Coordinator of the
Residential Academic Services.
In the spring semester of 2011 there was a total of 461 students
enrolled in Monday night classes, 450 students enrolled in Tuesday
night classes, 17 students enrolled in Wednesday night classes, 153
students enrolled in Thursday night classes, and no classes were held
on Friday night.
26
In the fall semester of 2011 there was a total of 439 students enrolled
in Monday night classes, 420 students enrolled in Tuesday night
classes, 32 students enrolled in Wednesday night classes, 121 students
enrolled in Thursday night classes, and no classes were held on Friday
night.
on Friday night.
night.
on Friday night.
night.
night cases, 62 students enrolled in Wednesday night classes, 132
on Friday night.
27
Discussion/Conclusions (Conclusions)
After analyzing the survey results, there were major
conclusions and five common themes throughout the comments
that showed why or why not students attend athletic events. A
piece of logistical information that is important to recognize it
that 2/3 of those surveyed were female. It was discovered that
the top four most attended or most likely to attend games were
for mens basketball (297), mens soccer (225), womens
volleyball (171), and womens basketball (153). Amongst the
surveys, 89% of respondents will attend at least 1 game, and
20% of respondents will attend 3 games. Also, 45% of those
28
surveyed knew what the 6th Man Club was. Lastly, it was shown
in the results that the teams standing has no effect on
attendance, and that academic priorities will come before
athletic attendance.
The first theme that was discovered was that NSO was not
effective to first time freshmen, or transfer students; two-thirds
of students who were apart of NSO found it to be ineffective. The
second theme in the findings is that athletes support other
athletes. It was recorded that an athlete will attend other athletic
events. Another facet of athletic attendance is that games are
free of charge, the fact that Indiana Wesleyan University
students can attend all home games free is a reason that
students attend, but as stated in the focus group ..I wouldnt pat
$2. The last theme is that the 6th man club is not liked, and they
are not well received by students. Many comments regarding
them in the comments section of the survey results said that
they were too high school and not appreciated at athletic events.
Lastly is a general statement that was shown through the
numbers of students who attend or would attend athletic events,
and this is that male athletic events pull more attendance among
student attendees.
Implications (Recommendations)
29
Some recommendations to increase attendance after

analyzing the results would be to look into developing the
Athletic Department App or a text system, increasing
advertisement, increasing the number of tailgates and/or pre
game events, to give away more free things, and to change the
half time and timeout routine at basketball games to be more
student focused.
The biggest recommendation that can be offered is that
there needs to be development of the Athletic Department App,
or a game day text system. 49% of respondents said that they
would subscribe to text for specific athletic events (i.e. mens
basketball) on game day, or for a big event. This would need to
be exclusive and used sparingly, a text reminder once for a game
day and could not be abused and over used like other campus
communication mediums (i.e. Daily Developments).
Limitations (Limitations)
One of the Limitations we had when conducting our
research was time. We didnt have an infinite amount of time to
complete and compile our research, with more time we could
have surveyed more and possibly gone deeper into the research.
Another limitation we had was a sample that wasnt a completely
accurate to the demographic of the population we were
30
researching. Getting a sample where everyone is represented

fully isnt possible without surveying everyone, which wasnt
within our limits. Resources were another limitation put on our
group, such as people and money. The budget for this research
fit our needs and got us the results we needed from the surveys
and focus group, but we could have expanded the research with
a larger budget. We had a team of twelve researchers, which was
enough to survey the classes and conduct and analyze the
research, but with more people we could have reached more
participants to survey.
Directions for Future Research (Directions for Future Research)

There were some issues with the research process. In the
future, it would be beneficial to begin the research process
earlier. The survey was a process that took quite a bit of time. We
believe this process would be easier with more preparation, and
with fewer research members collaborating on the entire survey.
While the paper surveys were certainly effective, the data
crunching process took far too long for the sample size. Online
surveys automatically crunch the numbers, and we believe an
entire sample size online would save time and make research
easier. We also felt that some questions couldve been specified
31
better, such as the tailgate question or the rank order of

preferred methods of receiving information.
The method for finding a sample of students for the focus
group turned out to be a struggle. Only one of our random
selections responded with a yes, and they eventually cancelled.
After that, we struggled to stay with our demographics, as we
had to reach out to people we knew for participation. Even that
struggled, as we only received five members for the focus group.
Four of them were seniors, and two were athletes; higher
numbers that we were hoping for those two categories. We also
had three males and two females, an inaccurate representation
of the surveys. In the future, we would select a random selection
much earlier, and send many more random students information,
knowing the majority would say no.
References (References)
32

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Title Page (Cover Page)

Abstract (Executive Summary)

student attendance at athletic events dating back 3 years ago.

Why do you attend or not attend athletic events?

Date (Approximate): Tuesday, November 11

Moderator: Sean Huncherick (Student)

Size: 8 student participants

Criteria for Participants:

Sampling Method: We attempted to sample students using a

Methodology: We conducted a focus group with 5 students who

Structure of Focus Group Discussion:

Why do you attend or not attend athletic events?

The invitation to take the survey as placed in the Daily

Do you go to IWU Athletic Events? Why? Why not?

The COM 227 class has formed a survey to discover why

Click here to take the survey. [link to survey]

which to survey students. One or two research members will

Number of Surveys Taken

Participation in NSO Fall 2014 (Freshmen

Participating Students Awareness of

Participating Students Awareness of

Athletes who attend other athletic events

Number of Students Who Have Attended or

Average Number of Sports Attended

Average Response (1 to 5 Scale; 1=Strongly

Average Response (1 to 5 Scale; 1=Strongly

I do not attend Athletic Events because I have

Students who know about the sixth man club

Students who marked as members

More themed games

Focus Group Results

Would you be interested in a tailgating event?

Night Class Results

*Numbers represent number of students enrolled in classes on the

Some recommendations to increase attendance after

researching. Getting a sample where everyone is represented

Directions for Future Research (Directions for Future Research)

better, such as the tailgate question or the rank order of

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