A Cross Racial Comparison of Personality Traits between Athletes and Nonathletes

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the differences in four personality traits between Negro and white athletes and nonathletes utilizing the Gordon Personal Profile. Six hypotheses, all stated in the null form, were used in comparing the different groups. A total of 111 subjects were divided into four groups based upon their ethnic background and athletic ability. The results produced seven significant differences at the .05 level: three between white athletes and white nonathletes; one between Negro varsity athletes and Negro nonathletes; and three between white varsity athletes and Negro nonathletes. These results suggested that white varsity athletes were significantly different and ranked higher in Ascendancy, Responsibility, and Emotional Stability traits when compared to Negro and white nonathletes. They also suggested that Negro varsity athletes were significantly different and ranked higher in Responsibility when compared to Negro nonathletes. No significant differences occurred when white varsity athletes and Negro varsity athletes were compared; when Negro varsity athletes and white nonathletes were compared; or when Negro nonathletes and white nonathletes were compared.