MRes – The impact of personalised FIFA player cards on exercise motivation and physical performance in youth football players: An exploratory gamification intervention (SAS0194)

 

An exciting opportunity for a self-funded, part-time MRes project is available in the School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University.

Encouraging physical-activity engagement in youth is a primary objective of health organisations (Scottish Government, 2022; WHO, 2022). However, evidence suggests that motivation, adherence, and engagement with sport and physical-activity guidelines proves challenging for youth (Troiano et al., 2020). One potential challenge facing youth populations is the exponential growth of technology and social media; suggested to be an additional barrier facing young people in the modern-day comparative to previous generations. While some suggest technology and social media to be a barrier to exercise and physical activity, many have highlighted the opportunity popular culture may bring for learning and engagement environments (Glaveanu et al., 2020). Gamification is a relevant example of an approach embracing these opportunities; utilising game-based methods or techniques to enhance learning, engagement, or adherence – particularly in youth populations.

Personal gaming is exceptionally popular amongst young people with recent statistics suggesting that 82% of young boys aged 12-15 years regularly engage with the activity in the UK (Statista, 2021). One of the most popular brands of game amongst young boys, particularly, is the FIFA series – allowing players to compete in football matches as their favourite club or nation as well as competing against others via social network. Recent iterations of the FIFA series have seen the emergence of ‘FIFA cards’ – a plaque that accompanies players providing ratings across multiple qualities related to their ability. Acknowledging the popularity of technology, social networking, and personal gaming, it is logical to speculate that incorporating the use of an interactive and competitive process may improve personal exercise and physical-activity practices of young males. Accordingly, this proposed research project intends to examine the effectiveness of personal-issue FIFA cards on exercise performance (examined via field-based fitness testing) and motivation and engagement in exercise and physical-activity of young males, compared to a control group.

You will be a member of Edinburgh Napier University’s Graduate College and will be based in the School of Applied Science. You will be supported throughout your studies with training and events hosted locally in the school and by our Research, Innovation and Enterprise events team. Bespoke training will help you develop both your research and transferable skills. In the School of Applied Sciences you will have access to a range of leading facilities and expertise, including field-based fitness testing equipment, computer labs, library resources, and access to a wealth of leading academics in their field to support your studies. You will join a vibrant and growing community of postgraduate research students within the university, including access to our workspace and social space in our recently refurbished researcher community suite. 

Academic qualifications

A first degree (at least a 2.2) ideally in sport and exercise science, sports coaching and development, or sport psychology with a good fundamental knowledge of sport and exercise interventions in youth populations.

 

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

 

Essential attributes:

·        Experience of fundamental fitness testing methods

·        Knowledge of psychological assessment in athletic populations

·        Competent in delivering applied services to athletic populations

·        Knowledge of youth athletes and development across childhood and adolescence

·        Good written and oral communication skills

·        Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project

·        Good time management

Desirable attributes:

·        Prior experience working with youth athletes in an applied environment

·        A relevant professional qualification or in the process of attaining (e.g. BASES, HCPC, UKSCA, etc.)

 

TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK ON THE ‘INSTITUTION WEBSITE’ LINK ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF THIS PAGE.

When applying, please quote the application reference  SAS0194 on your form.

 APPLICATION CHECKLIST

·        Completed application form 

·        CV

·        2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (Found on the application process page)

·        A personal research statement (This should include (a) a brief description of your relevant experience and skills, (b) an indication of

·        What you would uniquely bring to the project and (c) a statement of how this project fits with your future direction.)

·        Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)