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“Instinct” in Sport Journalism: A Case of Value‐added Attribution *
Author(s) -
Mathisen James A.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
sociological inquiry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.446
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1475-682X
pISSN - 0038-0245
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-682x.1989.tb01080.x
Subject(s) - instinct , attribution , value (mathematics) , interpreter , sociology , epistemology , symbolic interactionism , social psychology , psychology , philosophy , computer science , ecology , machine learning , biology , programming language
In their roles of reality mediator and expert interpreter, sport journalists invoke the term “instinct” to explain successful athletic performances. This study of journalistic uses of instinct (N = 41) identifies three elements–ability, experience, and cognition–which comprise instinct. Theoretically, instinct is a journalistic attribution of stable, internally‐located success, the elements of which can be combined into a value‐added sequence. Insights from symbolic interactionism enhance understanding instinct in relationship to the broader, cultural significance of American sport.