Examination of home advantage in sports

This thesis focuses on the advantages of being the home team in sports, exploring the effects and underlying reasons of this phenomenon in leagues across Turkey and the world. The study aims to introduce new perspectives to the literature of sports psychology and contribute to professionals working in sports, education, and performance fields. The significance of the home advantage for athletes and coaches, especially during competition periods, is particularly addressed. The origins and historical development of this topic have been extensively examined through studies dating back to the 1870s. Key factors influencing home advantage, such as learning, travel, and crowd factors, have been identified and their interactions analyzed. The thesis discusses various methodological approaches to measuring home advantage and examines significant national and international studies conducted on this subject. Research related to Turkish leagues has been evaluated using statistical methods such as correlation and variance analyses. Additionally, the size and effects of home advantage in different geographical regions and leagues have been examined through various statistical analyses. The aim of the research is to understand the impact of home advantage on athletes' performance and to provide this knowledge to professionals in the field of sports sciences. The study questions whether being the home team in sports is an advantage and evaluates the effects of various factors in this context. The methodology of the research is based on a qualitative approach, relying on published literature and document analysis. Both Turkish and English sources have been utilized in the data collection process, forming the foundation of the research. Content analysis, the primary technique used in data analysis, aims to deeply interpret the research findings. In conclusion, this thesis comprehensively explores the various aspects of home advantage in sports, aiming to make a significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge in this field.