Group Prototype and Cohesiveness in Sport Teams

摘要

Objective: The identity of a group is captured in prototypical members who are perceived to embody the characteristics that define the group. The specific attributes of this group prototype can serve to enhance perceived intragroup similarity if attributes of prototypes are common across group members, or to maximize intergroup differences if attributes are ideal. This study tested the association between identity prototypes perceived as demonstrating common or ideal attributes and perceptions of team cohesiveness. Method: Athletes (n = 102) from 15 competitive adult basketball teams reported (a) the degree to which their prototypical group member (i.e., prototype) had attributes that were common and ideal and (b) perceptions of task and social cohesion. Results: A significant multivariate regression, R (2) = .19, p .45). Conclusion: These findings provide preliminary evidence that the attributes that team members assign as signifying the prototypical team member may be associated with the degree to which their team is viewed as cohesive.