A Study of Relationships to Somatotype

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Fiske, Donald W.
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0021-9010
• DOI: 10.1037/h0055606
• 发表日期: 1944
• 页码: 504-519

摘要

A group of 176 private school boys, between the ages of 13 yrs. and 17 yrs., 5 months, was somatotyped according to Sheldon''s procedure for the classification of physiques; e.g., Ectomorphy, Mesomorphy and Endomorphy. The typing was done by Sheldon by inspection of photographs, and the boys were grouped on the basis of similarity of physique into 9 to 22 groups. The analysis of variance (F values) was used to test whether the variables studied were related to the somatotype groups. Scholastic averages and none of several intelligence test scores were related to this classification of physiques. Neither were the 4 scales of the Bernreuter Personality Inventory where, according to theory, at least, one might expect Ectomorphs to rate low in Sociability and Mesomorphs high in Dominance. Ratings on good school adjustment and good personality showed no relationship to somatotype. group. An ink blot test was constructed and scored according to Rorschach techniques. Out of 40 variables scored, 3 (% and number of Vista Responses and number of Human Movement Responses) showed a significant relationship to somatotype group. These were not so much related to components of physique as to patterns of component dominance. Pure Color Responses correlated low with Ectomorphy, contrary to the dictates of Kretchmer''s theory. In addition, all of following phenomena were shown to be uncorrelated with body form: pattern of electro-encephalograms, B M R, variability of B M R, number of respirations per minute during B M R determination, blood group. Mesomorphs did show slightly higher mean heights of respiration. None of the findings is greater than chance expectancy. These results once again indicate the futility of trying to relate body build with the diagnosis and prediction of human behavior.