Values Development through Physical Activity: Promoting Sportsmanlike Behaviors, Perceptions, and Moral Reasoning

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a values-related model in producing changes in the moral reasoning, sportsmanship perceptions, and behaviors of male junior high school basketball players. The Defining Issues Test (DIT) and the Action-Choice Test for Competitive Sports Situations (ACT) were administered during the first and last weeks of a 9-week basketball season. In addition, behaviors of three players from the experiment ( n =10) and control ( n =10) groups were systematically observed throughout the season. Analysis of covariance was used to determine the effects of the model on the responses to both the DIT and ACT variables. Results revealed no difference ( p >.05) between the groups for either dependent variable. However, comparison of pre- and postseason mean scores from each of the instruments and analysis of the behavior patterns of the players observed suggest that, for the experiment group, a sportsmanlike pattern was emerging.