The relationship of personality traits and the selection of track and field events in junior high, high school, and college.

Abstract

THE RELATIONSHIP OF PERSONALITY TRAITS AND THE SELECTION OF TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS IN JUNIOR HIGH, HIGH SCHOOL, AND COLLEGE Timothy W. Thomas COMMITTEE: Dr. George Milton (Chairman), Dr. Ray Heath, Dr. Billy Tidwell, and Coach Phil Delavan. PURPOSE: It was the purpose of this study to determine the significant differences between personality traits and the event selection in track and field at the junior high, high school, and college levels of competition. A secondary phase was to determine the significant differences between personality traits and the three levels of competition. PROBLEM: Is there a significant difference between personality traits and the event selection in track and field? Is there a significant difference between personality traits and the three levels of competition (junior high, high school, and college)? PROCEDURES: The sixty-eight subjects were divided into groups according to event classification (sprints, distance, jumping, throwing) and the level of competition (junior high, high school, college). The groups completed the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule. The comparison of the scores from the EPPS was statistically analyzed. The statistical tools were the analysis of variance and t-score at the .05 level of significance. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between personality traits and the event selection In track and field. There were significant differences between personality traits and the three levels of competition. These results are as follows: 1. The sprinters scored significantly different on the order variable (F2 14=4.309) between the levels of competition. 2. The distance runners scored significantly different on the hetersexuallty variable (F2,15=4.354) between the levels of competition. 3. The jumpers scored significantly different on the achievement (F2 13=4.115) and endurance (F2 13=4.067) variables between the levels of competition. 4. The throwers scored significantly different between the levels of competition on the order variable (F2,14=7.112).