Achievement-related characteristics in a select sample of male and female marathon runners

Abstract

The primary objective of this research is to examine the main social and demographic characteristics and running patterns of a selected sample of New Zealand male and female marathon runners. In particular, emphasis is placed on analysing differences in achievement-related characteristics of male and female marathon runners. Achievement behaviour is based on the concept of a learned need for achievement which is modulated by the individual's cognitions. It is hypothesised by Weiner et al. (1971) that the cognitive processes which occur prior to and following a given behavioural act will affect individuals' future expectancies of success and the degree of pride or shame they associate with particular performances. These cognitive explanations for the individual's behaviour have been termed causal attributions. Causal attribution theory provides the framework for the present research. Two questionnaires were distributed to a selected sample of marathon runners who had entered the 1982 Pasta International marathon. The pre-race questionnaire dealt primarily with demographic statistics and individuals' running patterns and expectations for the marathon. The post-race questionnaire focussed primarily on runners' causal attributions for their performance outcome. The data obtained were subjected to various statistical analyses including: descriptive analysis; multiple regression; discriminant analysis; Pearson's correlation; one-way analysis of variance and two-way analysis of variance. In relation to national demographic patterns a higher proportion of the selected sample of marathon runners were: middle-aged; married; engaged in either full-time or part-time employment; had obtained a higher level of education and were generally employed in high status occupations. The link between higher education and achievement need would tend to suggest that marathon runners are characterised by a high need to achieve. This need to achieve was demonstrated through explanations made by runners for their performance outcomes. Marathon runners tended to attribute their performances to factors which originated within the person (i.e. internal factors). Although the marathon runners were characterised by a high need to achieve there were significant differences in the running patterns, social supports and attributions of the male and female runners. Compared to experienced male runners, experienced female runners on average: had less running experience; were slower runners; spent less time on their build-up for the marathon; and covered less distance in their build-up. Yet, experienced female runners were more likely to attribute a good performance to internal factors of ability and training than experienced male runners. Experienced male runners were more likely to attribute a poor performance to the internal factors of insufficient training than experienced female runners. Female marathon runners, regardless of their running experience, appeared to need stronger social support than male marathon runners. Experienced female runners were more likely to ascribe a good performance to external attributions of support of (an)other runner(s) and support of family/friends than experienced male runners. Inexperienced female runners were more likely to attribute a good performance to support of (an)other runner(s) than experienced female runners. The female marathon runner's need for support was also demonstrated in the higher proportion of females compared to males who; belonged to marathon clinics, trained with (an)other runner(s), intended to run the marathon with (an)other runner(s) and had running coaches.