Non-Cognitive Factors Affecting Student Athlete Academic Performance

Abstract

Student athletes face a unique set of challenges when pursuing both academic and athletic goals simultaneously. These challenges are aggregated from a variety of sources, both external and internal. Many of the issues facing student athletes are cognitive factors, however, the author chose to target a less researched area and looked at the non-cognitive factors affecting student athlete academic performance. The research was conducted at a Midwestern university, which competed with a Division II affiliation. The institution was selected due to its unique combination of highly competitive athletics and high academic standards. The research aimed to discover if there was a presence of negative stereotypes and an awareness of non-cognitive factors influencing student athletes’ academic experience.