Author : Christine M. Caldwell
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 84 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (814 download)
Book Synopsis Racial Stereotyping in Perception of Athletic Performance by : Christine M. Caldwell
Download or read book Racial Stereotyping in Perception of Athletic Performance written by Christine M. Caldwell and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 84 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: While stereotypes may be based on numerous characteristics (i.e., age, gender, race, health status), an individual's race is generally acknowledged as one of the primary predictors of stereotyping. Racial stereotypes exist within the field of athletics, and research has primarily focused on the attribution of performance success among White athletes and Black athletes. The athletic success of a Black athlete is often perceived as resulting from a racially biased biological advantage (i.e., natural physical abilities), while athletic success of a White athlete is often attributed to the athlete's intelligence and work ethic. The current study examined the use of racical stereotypes when attributing athletic success of one racially different athlete over another. Participants from an undergraduate psychology course rated their level of belief that eight specific factors contributed to the athletic success of a pictured athlete over another pictured athlete. Four of the eight factors evaluated are considered stereotypical of White athletes, while the other four factors are considered stereotypical of Black athletes. In half of the trials a Black athlete was labeled as more successful than a White athlete, and in the remaining trials, the White athlete was labeled as more successful. Furthermore, in half of the trials the athletes were labeled as quarterbacks on opposing football teams and labeled as wide receivers in the remaining trials. The results indicated a significant main effect for the race order of the depicted athletes. No main effect was found for position nor was there a race order by position interaction. The results indicated that participants were more likely to attribute biological performance characteristics (e.g., "naturally longer arms and legs") to the Black athlete's success over the White athlete. Comparably, participants were more likely to describe the White athlete's success over the Black athlete as due to mental characteristics (e.g., "intelligence and leadership ability"). The findings provide further evidence for the existence of racial stereotyping within the area of athletic performance as well as provide extensions to the research.
