Homogeneity of Prototypical Attributes in Soccer Teams. (3rd September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zepp, Christian; Kleinert, Jens
• Is Part Of: SAGE Open. Volume 5:Number 3(2015:Jul./Sep.)
• Publication Date: 2015-09-03
• Subjects: in-group -- homogeneity -- categorization -- prototype -- sports; Social sciences -- Periodicals; 300.5
• DOI: 10.1177/2158244015602517
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2158-2440

Abstract

Research indicates that the homogeneous perception of prototypical attributes influences several intragroup processes. The aim of the present study was to describe the homogeneous perception of the prototype and to identify specific prototypical subcategories, which are perceived as homogeneous within sport teams. The sample consists of N = 20 soccer teams with a total of N = 278 athletes (age M = 23.5 years, SD = 5.0 years). The results reveal that subcategories describing the cohesiveness of the team and motivational attributes are mentioned homogeneously within sport teams. In addition, gender, identification, team size, and the championship ranking significantly correlate with the homogeneous perception of prototypical attributes. The results are discussed on the basis of theoretical and practical implications.