Playmaker PhD & Published Research
Seven years of PhD research across six team sports. Peer-reviewed academic publications. Ongoing partnerships with universities and leading researchers worldwide.
Research
Research sits at the intersection of Dr Liz Masen’s academic work, her CEO role at Team8 People, and her ongoing commitment to keeping Team8 People’s methodology at the forefront of applied behavioral practice.
This page brings together the Playmaker PhD research, Liz’s peer-reviewed academic publications, and the research partnerships Team8 People maintains with universities and leading researchers worldwide.
Publications and Presentations
Beyond the Playmaker PhD, Liz has co-authored peer-reviewed academic research at the intersection of behavioural profiling, sport management education, and coach development.
Masen, E. M., Hedlund, D. J., & Tingle, J. K. (2022)
Enhancing the Education of Sport Management Students Through DISC Behavioral Profiling and International Training.
Masen, E. M., Hedlund, D. J., & Tingle, J. K. (2022) Enhancing the education of sport management students through DISC behavioral profiling and international training, Journal of Higher Education Athletics and Innovation, 1(9), 82-103.
Abstract: Implementing effective training and education programs is of critical importance for sport management and sport coaching academic education programs. This exploratory research examined the implementation and effectiveness of DISC behavioral profiling in sport management and sport coaching classrooms at the university level. Over four academic years (eight semesters), pre- and post-tests were collected from multiple samples of sport management and sport coaching students (N = 216) at two universities in the United States. Students received a personalized DISC behavioral profile and educational activities were used to enhance the value of the behavioral profiling initiatives. Using pre- and post-activity surveys of the knowledge and skills gained during in-course activities, paired sample t-test showed positive and significant results for 11 of 16 measured areas. The findings suggest that behavioral profiling tools and activities within sport management and sport coaching curricula can enhance student’s self-awareness and help develop leadership skills which will prepare for future career opportunities. Limitations and opportunities for future research are also presented.
Jody Langdon, Diane Benish & Elizabeth Masen (2021)
Using Concepts from Self-Determination Theory to Enhance the Application of an Already-Existing Coach Assessment in Youth Coach Professional Development: Autonomy Support and the CoachDISC Profile.
Jody Langdon, Diane Benish & Elizabeth Masen (2021) Using Concepts from Self-Determination Theory to Enhance the Application of an Already-Existing Coach Assessment in Youth Coach Professional Development: Autonomy Support and the CoachDISC Profile, International Journal of Kinesiology in Higher Education
Abstract: Grounded in self-determination theory, the purpose of this study was to determine the existence of autonomy-supportive coaching characteristics within the CoachDISC Profile evaluation system. Expert researchers in autonomy support with a familiarity with sport coaching were recruited for this study (N = 11 participants; 4 males, 7 females; Mage = 40.45, SDage = 8.27). Participants had on average 12 years of experience in working with self-determination theory in both research and applied settings. After providing demographic information, each participant completed a full CoachDISC profile as if they were acting as an autonomy-supportive coach. Across all categories (dominance, influence, steadiness, and conscientiousness) a distinct profile emerged, verified via intraclass correlation, ICC = 0.97, p < .001. These results indicate that an autonomy-supportive profile exists, which allows coach developers to potentially utilize the assessment to provide feedback and contribute to reflective practices that are grounded in motivational theory.
Masen, E. (2025)
Doctoral dissertation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
What do coaches really want in their playmakers? An analysis of how a coach’s background, experience, opinions, and coaching style impacts their perceptions and expectations of key playmaker positions in basketball, field hockey, ice hockey, rugby union, soccer, and volleyball.
Mueller, J., Masen, E., Ridinger, L., McNiff Villemaire, J., & Box, R. (2024)
European Association for Sport Management (EASM) 2024 Book of Abstracts, p. 602.
In Practice and Education: Using the Power of DISC for Skill Development, Research, Employability, and Teaching.
Other Media
Coaches Corner Podcast
Episode 23 – Athlete Assessments’ CEO Elizabeth Masen
In March 2023, Liz Masen joined host Riki Tahere for an episode of Canterbury Rugby’s Podcast, Coaches Corner. During the episode they unpacked the power of DISC Profiling and how better understanding your own and your players’ behavioral tendencies can unlock their best performances. While Liz talked all things DISC, Riki took a deep dive into decision making, which sees the two highlight the key importance of understanding athletes on an individual level.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spotify For Podcasters.
Research Partnerships & Academic Collaboration
Liz maintains active research partnerships with universities and leading researchers worldwide. These partnerships keep Team8 People’s methodology at the forefront of applied behavioral practice and provide the evidence base that underpins our consulting engagements.
Current and past academic collaborations include:
- University of the Sunshine Coast —School of Health and Behavioural Sciences (Playmaker PhD host institution)
- Georgia Southern University — Co-authored research on autonomy support and the CoachDISC Profile (Langdon, Benish, & Masen, 2021)
- John’s University — Co-authored research on the use of DISC behavioural profiling and training in Sport Management & Sport Coaching classrooms (Masen, E., Hedlund, D., & Tingle, J. K., 2022)
- Trinity University — Co-authored research on the use of DISC behavioural profiling and training in Sport Management & Sport Coaching classrooms (Masen, E., Hedlund, D., & Tingle, J. K., 2022)
- Loughborough University London —Collaborative Dissertation Research Project, selected students using the AthleteDISC Profile to research an industry-relevant question.
- Multiple US universities — Through Team8 People’s Academic Partnership Program integrating behavioral profiling into sport management, coaching education, and sport leadership curriculum.
If you are interested in discussing a research partnership, please contact Liz via the form below.
Research Initiatives
Beyond her personal academic work, Liz leads research initiatives at Team8 People that keep the business’s proprietary assessments and methodology grounded in evidence.
Click any point to expand.
Ongoing statistical validation of Team8 People's DISC Profile range
Team8 People holds the world’s only statistically validated and reliable DISC assessment specifically for sport, and continues to invest in validation of the wider DISC range across business, education, and tactical contexts.
Academic Partnership Program
A formal research partnership pathway with universities integrating DISC behavioral profiling into their sport management, coaching education, and sport leadership curricula.
Applied research with client organizations
Measurement of program outcomes across Team8 People’s Elite Team Programs, Coach Development, and Corporate Professional Development engagements.
Contribution to industry-standard programs
Through WeCOACH (formerly the Alliance of Women Coaches) and the NCAA Women Coaches Academies, where Liz’s applied behavioural profiling work reaches women coaches across the United States.
Ongoing publication and conference presentation
Bringing applied research findings to sport, business, and education audiences internationally.
Research Enquiries and Academic Collaboration
Email:
Websites:
Team8 People – Global: www.team8people.com
Team8 People – Australia: www.team8.com.au
Phone
United States: (+1) 760 742 5177
Australia: (+61) 07 3102 5333
United Kingdom: (+44) 20 7193 4575
New Zealand: (+64) 09 889 2979
Address
Head Office: Office 11, 5th Floor, 182 Bay Terrace, Wynnum QLD 4178 Australia
Postal Address: PO Box 5782, Manly QLD 4179 Australia
Interesting Stuff
Related Academic Research
Masen, E. M., Hedlund, D. J., & Tingle, J. K. (2022)
Enhancing the Education of Sport Management Students Through DISC Behavioral Profiling and International Training.
Masen, E. M., Hedlund, D. J., & Tingle, J. K. (2022) Enhancing the education of sport management students through DISC behavioral profiling and international training, Journal of Higher Education Athletics and Innovation, 1(9), 82-103.
Abstract: Implementing effective training and education programs is of critical importance for sport management and sport coaching academic education programs. This exploratory research examined the implementation and effectiveness of DISC behavioral profiling in sport management and sport coaching classrooms at the university level. Over four academic years (eight semesters), pre- and post-tests were collected from multiple samples of sport management and sport coaching students (N = 216) at two universities in the United States. Students received a personalized DISC behavioral profile and educational activities were used to enhance the value of the behavioral profiling initiatives. Using pre- and post-activity surveys of the knowledge and skills gained during in-course activities, paired sample t-test showed positive and significant results for 11 of 16 measured areas. The findings suggest that behavioral profiling tools and activities within sport management and sport coaching curricula can enhance student’s self-awareness and help develop leadership skills which will prepare for future career opportunities. Limitations and opportunities for future research are also presented.
To access the full transcript of this journal article, go to: https://journals.shareok.org/jheai/article/view/1055
Jody Langdon, Diane Benish & Elizabeth Masen (2021)
Using Concepts from Self-Determination Theory to Enhance the Application of an Already-Existing Coach Assessment in Youth Coach Professional Development: Autonomy Support and the CoachDISC Profile.
Jody Langdon, Diane Benish & Elizabeth Masen (2021) Using Concepts from Self-Determination Theory to Enhance the Application of an Already-Existing Coach Assessment in Youth Coach Professional Development: Autonomy Support and the CoachDISC Profile, International Journal of Kinesiology in Higher Education
Abstract: Grounded in self-determination theory, the purpose of this study was to determine the existence of autonomy-supportive coaching characteristics within the CoachDISC Profile evaluation system. Expert researchers in autonomy support with a familiarity with sport coaching were recruited for this study (N = 11 participants; 4 males, 7 females; Mage = 40.45, SDage = 8.27). Participants had on average 12 years of experience in working with self-determination theory in both research and applied settings. After providing demographic information, each participant completed a full CoachDISC profile as if they were acting as an autonomy-supportive coach. Across all categories (dominance, influence, steadiness, and conscientiousness) a distinct profile emerged, verified via intraclass correlation, ICC = 0.97, p < .001. These results indicate that an autonomy-supportive profile exists, which allows coach developers to potentially utilize the assessment to provide feedback and contribute to reflective practices that are grounded in motivational theory.
To access the full transcript of this journal article, go to: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/24711616.2021.1975519
Other Media
Coaches Corner Podcast
Episode 23 - Athlete Assessments' CEO Elizabeth Masen
In March 2023, Liz Masen joined host Riki Tahere for an episode of Canterbury Rugby’s Podcast, Coaches Corner. During the episode they unpacked the power of DISC Profiling and how better understanding your own and your players’ behavioral tendencies can unlock their best performances. While Liz talked all things DISC, Riki took a deep dive into decision making, which sees the two highlight the key importance of understanding athletes on an individual level.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spotify For Podcasters.