A Thesis Presented by MARYANN CONRAD
Submitted to the Graduate School of the University of Massachusetts Amherst in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE September 2008 Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management
© Copyright by Maryann Conrad 2008 All Rights Reserved
COLLEGE STUDENT GAMBLING: EXAMINING THE EFFECTS OF GAMING EDUCATION WITHIN A COLLEGE CURRICULUM
A Thesis Presented by MARYANN CONRAD
Approved as to style and content by:
______________________________________ Chris Roberts, Chair
______________________________________ Linda J. Shea, Member
______________________________________ Jeffrey A. Fernsten, Member
_____________________________ Rodney Warnick, Department Head Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I offer my sincere appreciation and gratitude to my Chair, Dr. Chris Roberts. His inspiration for this study, solid guidance throughout the process, patience, and motivation were invaluable. I also am indebted to committee members Dr. Linda Shea, who has consistently provided me with positive encouragement, support and sound advice, and to Dr. Jeffrey Fernsten who permitted survey time in his classes as well as evaluation assistance. Many thanks are also due to Christine Hamm for her help in the survey process and to Gabe Adams for whose technical assistance I am most grateful. Thanks also to the students who gave time to participate in this study. Finally, special thanks to my husband Jeff and to my children Courtney, Kimberly and Sarah whose unwavering love, support and encouragement I deeply treasure.
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ABSTRACT COLLEGE STUDENT GAMBLING: EXAMINING THE EFFECTS OF GAMING EDUCATION WITHIN A COLLEGE CURRICULUM SEPTEMBER 2008 MARYANN CONRAD, M.S. UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST Directed by: Dr. Chris Roberts The research in this study examined
Bibliography: 1 to the general population with regards to problem solving, communication, roles and responsibilities (Epstein, 1992 study as cited in Lesieur, 1998) 2 Statement of the Problem Numerous studies have documented that college and university students have the highest rates of gambling and problem gambling (Lesieur, et al (1991) as cited in Shaffer, H.J., Forman, D.P., Scanlon, K.M., Smith, F 9 (2006), to include whether general enhanced knowledge of gambling, as part of a course curriculum, influences any meaningful changes in these factors that could potentially benefit the health and welfare of the college student 14 the lottery became a civic responsibility with funds used to build churches, libraries, and wharves (Dunstan, 1997)