I have been contemplating on how to develop my research Name, Image, and Likeness interim rule. The rule has only been in place for 3 months, so there is little information to go by at this point other than news articles and other informational tools. An approach I plan on taking is looking deeper into the historical journey the NCAA has taken to implementing the new Name, Image, and Likeness interim rule. It is an important place to begin my research and start to understand the opinions of athletes and how they have changed or stayed the same. To gain the most information possible about the Name, Image, and Likeness interim rule, I must be able to conduct an experiment that allows me, as the researcher, to understand and explore the opinions and experiences of my participants in relation to the new NCAA rule. As for the research it is important that I am able to get the best response rate possible especially because I know student athletes are very busy with their academic and athletic schedules. Understanding the timeline and progression of the NCAA interim rule is important when exploring a new topic. Looking at my unit analysis which is based on University of Richmond athletes. It would have been helpful to know their stance on not being able to “profit” off of their status as a student athlete compared to their experience now. I also need to acknowledge when approaching this research that I need to not be biased when it comes to researching sources due to my status as a student athlete.
Looking back at the methodology I chose for my research project, I think a better one might be a phenomenological methodology. I switched from a historical perspective to this approach after browsing Dr. Sink’s website. My project is explanatory research, because so far there is very little information about NIL and there needs to be more information retrieved, especially about smaller D1 programs. The phenomenological approach seeks to identify, explain and interpret the meaning behind experiences. My research is attempting to identify and explain the experiences of UR athletes with the NIL rule.
I think your comment on your own post reflects a wise approach. You are engaging in a study that requires you to capture moment-in-time responses, and the focus on explanatory research is a sound shift.