Date of Award
2019
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Matthew Normand
First Committee Member
Corey S. Stocco
Second Committee Member
Katie Wiskow
Abstract
Children who are physically inactive are more likely to suffer numerous health complications such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The Good Behavior Game (GBG) has been identified as an effective method for decreasing inappropriate behaviors and increasing appropriate behaviors in a variety of settings; however, few studies have used the GBG to increase physical activity. Furthermore, no previous research has evaluated the effects of feedback while playing the GBG to increase physical activity. Some research suggests certain characteristics of feedback tend to produce consistent changes in behaviors such as providing feedback immediately and privately. The purpose of the current study was to extend previous research and evaluate whether the addition of feedback to the Step it UP! Game, a modified version of the GBG has an impact on children’s step counts. A reversal (ABCAB) design was used to examine the number of steps students took during baseline (A), the Step it UP! Game (B), and the Step it UP! Game with feedback (C). Sealed pedometers were distributed to 21 students from a fifth-grade general education classroom. The results of this study suggest that the Step it UP! Game with feedback did not enhance the number of steps taken during recess. Additionally, the Step it UP! Game (with and without feedback) did result in a slight increase in mean steps per min during recess initially but, these steps did not maintain overtime.
Pages
98
Recommended Citation
Burji, Carla. (2019). Evaluating feedback during the Step It Up! game to increase physical activity exhibited by elementary school students during recess. University of the Pacific, Thesis. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/3629
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