Cover Letter for Experts

Selection Factors for College or Professional Baseball in High School Athletes

Geoff Miller, Master’s Candidate

San Diego State University

Dear Coach or Scout,

You are being asked to participate in a research study.  The surveys you are about to review will be distributed to college and professional baseball players to determine the selection factors they used to choose between playing college or pro baseball after graduating from high school.

Please review the preliminary sample surveys in terms of the validity of the questions.  You have been selected to evaluate the questions because you have expert knowledge in this area.  Please read each question carefully and determine whether it is an appropriate question to ask an athlete who has made this decision.  Circle valid if you feel the question is appropriate and invalid if you feel it is inappropriate.  If you do not have an opinion on the context of the question, simply circle no opinion.

Your participation will ensure construction of a more accurate survey.  I would appreciate written feedback on all questions you feel are invalid, or anywhere you feel the survey can be improved.  Thank you very much for your assistance and expertise.

Sincerely,

Geoff Miller

Cover Letter for Subjects

Selection Factors for College or Professional Baseball in High School Athletes

Principal Investigator: Geoff Miller, Master of Arts candidate, Department of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University. (619) 594—–.

Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Brent Rushall, Professor, Department of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University.

You are being asked to participate in a study.  Your answers to the questions on this survey will be used to determine selection factors used by baseball players who must decide between playing college or professional baseball.  You have already made this decision and, therefore, are eligible to participate in the study.  Your information will be kept confidential and will only be viewed by my faculty supervisor and myself.  No coaches, teammates, scouts, or anyone else will see your results.  Your participation is strictly voluntary and you may discontinue participation at any time, for any reason.  The survey should take 20-30 minutes to complete.  Please answer all questions with as much information as you can relate.  By completing the survey, you are giving your consent to participate in the study.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask them at any time.  Your participation is much appreciated.

Thank you for your time,

Geoff Miller

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Geoff Miller’s book, Intangibles: Big-League Stories and Strategies for Winning the Mental Game — in Baseball and in Life, was released in August, 2012. For more information and free sample chapters, please visit:

For more information, please contact Geoff Miller at miller@thewinningmind.com.