To: Rebecca Agosta

From: Chase Stodden

Date: 03/04/2016
Subject of Inquiry: The identity of athletes
Introduction:
I chose to direct my inquiry project toward sports because it is something I
have been a part of for a good portion of my life and I am curious to find out
how sports affect ones identity. I also see this topic holding my interest
throughout the duration of this project. Many people are involved with sports
and have been involved since they were a little kid; therefore, I want to know
if that affects them and their identity. If participating in sports does affect an
athletes identity, I want to know how. It is also fascinating how different
sports can play a role in shaping different identities. I am wanting to focus
my attention on athletes between the high school level to the college level
of sports. I believe focusing my attention toward them will make it easier to
research and gather information. This topic fits within our course topic
because I took something I am interested in and related it to identity.
Proposed Research Methods:
I am predicting that most of my research will come from the internet and
could also come from asking athletes in person. I could go to local sports
facilities to observe and ask athletes any questions that I may have.
Inquiry Questions:
1. Does participating in sports affect ones identity? How?
a. What are the positive effects sports may have on a persons
identity? Negative?
b. Do different sports generate a different identity? If so, why?
i. Team sports vs. Individual sports?
c. Does the loss of being able to participate in sports change a
persons identity?
d. Does athletic ability affect ones athletic identity?
e. Does growth as an athlete change identity?
2. Does ones athletic identity differ from their identity outside of sports
(family life)?
a. Which identity do athletes believe is their true identity?