The One Way Analysis of Variance - Essay Example

The trainers held various positions in the program and had varying levels of education and job experience as well. The research aimed to determine whether the level of job satisfaction among athletic trainers varied relative to certain demographic characteristics. These included gender, tenure, position, age, and educational level.

            Data was collected using the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ). The MSQ measured intrinsic, extrinsic, and overall job satisfaction. Moreover, demographic information was likewise collected as these were used to group or classify the sample.

            Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics with increased importance given to the measurement of the mean, variance, and standard deviation. The ANOVA test was then used to compare the levels of job satisfaction based on demographic characteristics. For instance, using the said tool, it was determined that groups classified according to the position they held had statistically significant differences with regards to their overall job satisfaction levels. Also, it was discovered that statistically significant differences existed between the subgroups based on their gender, age, educational level, and tenure. This meant that demographic characteristics were factors that helped determine the level of job satisfaction among athletic trainers as evidenced by the statistically significant differences that existed when such groups were compared.

            The ANOVA test for this research was used together with Scheffe’s postdoc test. If the results of the ANOVA test indicated a statistically significant difference, Scheffe’s postdoc test was then used. This enabled the researchers to determine how the demographic characteristics affected the level of job satisfaction.

            For example, it was determined that program directors and faculty had statistically significantly higher levels of job satisfaction than those that held positions such as head athletic trainers, assistance athletic trainers, and graduate assistants. Also, the research found that female athletic trainers were statistically significantly more dissatisfied than their male counterparts. In considering the age of athletic trainers, the research detected that younger athletic trainers, specifically those between the ages of 20 and 29, had statistically significantly lower job satisfaction than those in older age groups. Finally, using the said statistical analysis tools, the study concluded that as the educational level increased, so did the level of job satisfaction. Moreover, athletic trainers with more experience posted higher levels of job satisfaction.

            The research ascertained that advancement and compensation were the critical factors that determined job satisfaction among athletic trainers. The results of the analysis were indicative of such as certified graduate assistants were detected to be the most dissatisfied. This is because they receive inadequate compensation for the amount of work that they put in. the results of the study may be used to help implement changes to the athletic programs of the said institutions to improve job satisfaction levels among graduate students who are considered as “assets to the program’s effectiveness.” (Herrera & Lim, 2003)