The researchers chose three high schools of different socioeconomic statuses to compare: Star Spencer (low SES), Putnam City West (middle class), and Heritage Hall (upper middle class). Star Spencer had higher poverty rates and lower household incomes compared to the other schools. Putnam City West's demographics were more racially diverse than Heritage Hall. The researchers examined the schools' fitness facilities and importance of sports participation, finding sports correlate to higher college attendance rates, health benefits, and positive psychological outcomes, especially for lower SES students who tend to have lower fitness levels.