Theory Utilization in Social Media Scholarship in Sport Studies: A Review
Gashaw Abeza, University of Ottawa
Norm O'Reilly (Advisor), Ohio University
Benoit Séguin, University of Ottawa
Ornella Nzindukiyimana, Western University
Mark Dottori, University of Ottawa
Communication Saturday, June 6, 2015 20-minute oral presentation
(including questions)
Abstract 2015-239 3:40 PM (Capitale)
Research Background
Over the past decade, the scope, magnitude, and extent of social media (SM) use has been tremendous in the sport
industry (Pedersen, 2014; Rowe & Hutchins, 2014). In light of this growing presence and the dynamic
interrelationship between sport and SM, social science scholars are examining SM in various sport settings to gain
insights into its manifestations, characteristics, and usage trends. Though SM’s scholarship is still relatively recent
(Billings & Hardin, 2014), a number of scholars (e.g., Billings, 2014; Hardin, 2014; Hutchins, 2014; Pedersen, 2014;
Pegoraro, 2014; Sanderson, 2014; Wenner, 2014) are urging researchers to advance and broaden their research
agenda by (i) developing more sophisticated research questions, (ii) advancing the utilization of theories, and (iii)
employing innovative research methods. As one critical element in the advancement of an academic discipline
(Cunningham, 2013; Doherty, 2013), theory development helps a scholarship legitimize itself, build its identity and
increase its self-reliance (Abeza, O’Reilly, & Nadeau, 2014). The question of how theories are used (or not used) in
research is important as researchers try to ascertain their role in understanding, explaining and predicting the various
topic areas in a field of study. Thus, the production of empirical evidence on the current state of theory utilization in
SM scholarship will help determine weaknesses and strengths, reveal areas of improvement, identify developmental
needs, and inform the research community on future directions.
Research Objectives
This study seeks to (i) identify and (ii) profile the theories used, advanced, and developed in SM scholarship in sport
studies, and (iii) examine the utilization of the theories. Based on the findings the study identifies developmental
needs.
Research Method
A cross-disciplinary (e.g., sport marketing, communication, psychology, sociology) census review of the SM academic
literature published since 2008 (the earliest found) in academic journals in sport studies was conducted. For this
purpose, six sport related online search databases were used, namely Academic Search (Ebsco Publishing), Google
Scholar, Scopus (Elsevier), SportDiscus (SIRC), and Web of Science (Thomson Reuters). The search for journal
articles was based on 12 keyword descriptors: social media, Web 2.0, new media, online, internet, social network/ing
sites, Facebook, Twitter, 140 characters, Blog, YouTube, and message boards. The databases were queried for the
keywords in the title, abstract and the keyword list. In order to ascertain that relevant work has not been omitted, a
search was also conducted within 30 selected journals in sport management from those identified by Andrew,
Pedersen, and McEvoy (2011). While other forms of publications provide a great deal of information (e.g.
practitioner publications and reports, textbooks and edited volumes, masters and doctoral dissertations, and
conference papers), they were not selected for inclusion as we specifically focus on academic (peer-reviewed)
publications. The census review produced a total of 123 SM articles including 96 empirical research papers sourced
from 29 journals published from January 2008 to June 2014. The full-length of the 96 articles was carefully read
through to identify the utilization of theories in the scholarship.
Research Findings
Through a review of the 96 articles, we identified 26 theories and theoretical models. These theories and models
originated from a variety of disciplines including sociology, marketing, psychology, information technology, mass
media, and crisis communication. Of the articles, 52 used or made references to at least one of the identified 26
2015 North American Society for Sport Management Conference (NASSM 2015)
Ottawa, ON June 2 – 6, 2015 Page 27
theories. Uses and gratifications, and relationship marketing theories are the most cited theories (being used in 10
and seven studies, respectively). Parasocial interaction and agenda setting had been used in four studies while media
framing, social identity theories, and image/reputation repair typology were each used in three studies. Theory of
self-presentation, technology acceptance model, and gatekeeping theory have each been used in two SM studies. The
remaining 15 theories and models have each been used in 14 different studies, namely psychological continuum
model (PCM) (Mahoney, Hambrick, Svensson, & Zimmerman, 2013), integrative model of behavioral prediction and
attitude functions (Wang, 2013), one-way and two-way models of communication (Dittm