An Examination of the Dumb Jock Stereotype in Collegiate Student-Athletes: A Comparison of Student versus Student-Athlete Perceptions

Abstract

A common stereotype is that athletes are not as capable academically; they are “dumb jocks.” In this study, two surveys were used to examine other students’ perceptions of collegiate student-athletes’ academic abilities, their perception of how they are treated by their professors and other students, as well as how they view the academic abilities of their athletic peers. The student body survey was designed to determine if students perceive student-athletes as being less academically inclined because they are athletes. Survey participants included 493 college students. Results indicated that students report having lower academic expectations of student-athletes and perceived their professors to have lower academic expectations for athletes. The student-athlete survey addressed their perceptions of prejudice of their instructors and non-athlete peers as well as their views about other student-athletes’ academic achievement. Participants included 180 student-athletes. Student-athletes perceived professors and other students as being more willing to provide academic help to them because they are athletes. While student-athletes perceived professors as having higher academic expectations of athletes, they felt other students have lower academic expectations of athletes. Student-athletes assigned the highest levels of academic achievement to themselves, lower levels to teammates, and even lower levels to university athletes as a whole.

Keywords:

• dumb jock stereotype
• stereotype threat
• personal/group discrimination discrepancy

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Steven R. Wininger

Steve Wininger received his Ph.D. in sport psychology from Florida State University in 1998. He has provided sport psychology consultation for Olympic, collegiate, high school, and youth athletes. His current research focus is on how to increase performance via the regulation of attentional focus, especially for non-scoring aerobic activities such as running, swimming, and cycling. Steve's athletic background includes competing at the collegiate level in both cross-country and tennis. Steve is a professor and co-department head of psychology at Western Kentucky University.

Tiffany A. White

Tiffany White received her Master’s degree from Western Kentucky University in 2010. She is currently a Licensed Psychological Associate and working toward completing requirements to be a Licensed Psychological Practitioner. Ms. White has experience providing a variety of services to a population ranging from children to adults. She has worked in various mental health settings, including inpatient hospitals, supportive shelters, community mental health centers, and private practice. Ms. White is currently providing psychological services to individuals in a long term care brain injury inpatient rehabilitation unit.