The psychobiological model and multiple discriminant function analysis of high-calibre oarsmen

Candidates for New Zealand rowing teams (N = 181) were given a battery of physiological, performance, anthropometric and psychological tests in order to test the psychobiological model for prediction of athletic success. A series of stepwise multiple discriminant function analyses were conducted on both separate sub-sets of variables and their combinations. The expectation that the model would not differentiate between the three age categories of oarsmen (Juniors, Colt and Senior) except for age-related factors was upheld. A more specific test of the model was an examination of the accuracy of discrimination within each age group between those who were selected for New Zealand teams and those who were not selected. The results indicated that such differentiation was best when the biological and psychological variables were used in concert. The major discriminators between selected and nonselected oarsmen on the psychobiological functions were certain anthropometric and psychological variables. Further support for the notion of the existence of a rowing stereotype was provided by testing the Senior discriminant function on the other two groups. It was concluded that the results were in accordance with the multidisciplinary psychobiological model.