Examining the Performance Relationship Between High and Low Sensation Seekers in Baseball
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Authors
Mobley, Mark F.
Issue Date
1996
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Researchers in the field of sport psychology have been interested in personality differences of athletes for many years. Most sports inherently involve some type of risk, and some athletes are drawn to sports that provide high sensations and the potential of great injury or risk. These athletes are considered to be high sensation seekers, and have been studied using Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale for the past twenty-five years. The present study examines the relationship between level of sensation seeking and baseball performance. It hypothesizes that baseball players high in sensation seeking will excel in areas like: RBI's, RBI%, Home Runs, Home Run %, Steals, Caught Stealing, Slugging %, they will strike out more often than low sensation seekers, and have a lower fielding %. Pitchers high in sensation seeking will excel in areas such as: innings pitched, saves, Earned Run Average, strike-outs, they will have a lower hits per inning average, and issue less walks.