Exercise & Fitness Management interns don’t communicate well despite being taught the importance of communication and interpersonal skills. The purpose of this study was to explore the ‘labyrinth effect’ (revised Labyrinth Walk Questionnaire) and ‘oral communication apprehension’ (PRCA-24) via a group project in 3 semesters of a Physiology of Exercise class. Rhodes (2008) described the "labyrinth effect" as "a set of physical responses … that allows for emergence of a set of 'state of mind' responses’ …" (p. 36). ‘Oral communication apprehension’ is defined by McCroskey (1977) as “an individual’s level of fear or anxiety associated with either real or anticipated (oral) communication with another person or persons” (p. 192).
Students worked in groups to identify a topic; locate and compare research articles; and present findings to the class. Concurrently, group members walked the labyrinth 3 times and reflected on assignment parameters. The revised Labyrinth Walk Questionnaire was administered after the 3rd labyrinth walk. The PRCA-24 was administered pre & post project completion.
Researchers hypothesized Rhodes' 'state of mind responses' would be comparable to the data reported by Rhodes (2011) and the communication apprehension score would improve as would 3 of the 4 sub scores. Summary statistics, graphs, and statistical analysis will be completed using SPSS. Findings may encourage instructors to utilize the labyrinth in class projects, incorporating reflection and oral communication, earlier in students’ degree plans and throughout their college experience.