Stereotypes about athletes are numerous and well known. We are specifically interested in the belief that athletes are more masculine than their nonathletic counterparts. This study aims to examine the relationship between athleticism and gender association. In a pilot study we found a positive correlation between perceived athleticism and masculine gender association. There was also a positive correlation between a self-reported measure of actual athleticism and masculine gender association i.e. the more athletic a person is, the more masculine their gender association will be supporting the stereotype. In the present study, we will survey college students to examine the relationship between actual athleticism as measured by physical as opposed to self-report and masculinity. Five standard physical tests of athletic ability (e.g. 20 meter dash) will be used to measure actual athleticism and provide validation for the self-reported athleticism. There is currently no validated measure of self-reported athleticism. Participants will be recruited from psychology and kinesiology classes to undergo physical and survey testing.

True Athleticism and Gender Role Orientation