Gender bias: a study of high school track field athletes' perceptions of hypothetical male and female head coaches

• Published in: Journal of sport behavior Vol. 21; no. 4; p. 396
• Main Authors: Frankl, Daniel, Babbitt, III, Donald G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mobile, Ala University of South Alabama 01.12.1998; United States Sports Academy; Journal of Sport Behavior
• Subjects: Athletes; Athletic coaches; Beliefs, opinions and attitudes; Coaches & managers; Coaches (Athletics); Demographic aspects; Perceptions; School sports; Sex discrimination; Sexes; Track and field athletes; Women coaches
• ISSN: 0162-7341; 2641-3477

This study examined the effects of athletes' and their coach's gender on gender bias. Male (n = 112) and female (n = 104) high school track athletes ages 15-18 indicated their attitudes on performing for a hypothetical female or male coach (randomly assigned condition) in a 2 x 2 x 2 (gender of subject by gender of hypothetical coach by gender of actual coach) between-subjects design. Teams studied were match paired by program's size, ethnic makeup, location, and success level. Results were analyzed by a three-way ANOVA for each of the 10 questionnaire items to indicate main effects and significant interactions. Differences were found in responses to four questionnaire items characterized by the observation that subjects of male coaches displayed more positive attitudes toward the prospect of a new coach than did subjects of female coaches. High school track athletes did not exhibit gender bias toward a hypothetical female track and field coach.