Do I Belong? An investigation into the effects of stereotype threat on recruited student athletes at an Ivy League institution

Abstract

In this paper, I apply the concept of 'stereotype threat', coined by social psychologist Claude Steele, to an understanding of challenges faced by student-athletes at a highly selective educational institution. On the basis of a survey administered to a random sample constituted by more than 300 respondents, I investigate prevailing notions that portray student-athletes as less intelligent or capable. I debunk myths and provide evidence confirming that student-athletes are highly committed to academic improvement, although they often share stereotypes shared by non-athletes.