Some Perceptions of the Student-Athlete

Abstract

To determine whether the stereotype of the “dumb jock” is prevalent among college students, 88 subjects were exposed to information about a stimulus person who was described as either male or female and as an athlete (swimmer) or not. Posttest results showed that the athlete was rated higher in healthiness, extraversion, assertiveness, competitiveness, as well as athleticism. However, there was no evidence of the “dumb jock” stereotype under the present conditions.