An Investigation of the Dynamics of Aggression: Direct Observations in Ice Hockey and Basketball

Barry Kirker, Gershon Tenenbaum, Jan Mattson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

45 Scopus citations

Abstract

There have been significant problems in the study of sports aggression, and they are linked to how aggression has been defined, measured, and analyzed. Following a review of the whole domain, this study aimed to construct a theoretically coherent and ecologically valid framework for research on processes underlying sports aggression and to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the area. An exploratory method using computer observational analysis as the primary research method, along with complementary questionnaires and personal reflections, considered aggression in two comparison sports: ice hockey and basketball. Data were compiled and classified by involved and independent experts relative to factors and behaviors associated with sports aggression derived from a comprehensive review of the literature. Among the study's findings were that: (a) aggression was instrumental in nature two-thirds of the time; (b) aggressive acts typically occurred in clusters and varied in frequency according to game circumstances; and (c) multiple variables and aggression theories were related to severely aggressive acts. The complex dynamics of sports aggression via similar naturalistic methodologies is discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)373-386
Number of pages14
JournalResearch Quarterly for Exercise and Sport
Volume71
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2000
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aggression measurement
  • Holistic methodology

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