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In the current study we questioned the impact of uniform color in boxing, taekwondo and wrestling. On 18 photos showing two athletes competing, the hue of each uniform was modified to blue, green or red. For each photo, six color conditions were generated (blue-red, blue-green, green-red and vice versa). In three experiments these 108 photos were randomly presented. Participants (N = 210) had to select the athlete that seemed to be more aggressive, fairer or more likely to win the fight. Results revealed that athletes wearing red in boxing and wrestling were judged more aggressive and more likely to win than athletes wearing blue or green uniforms. In addition, athletes wearing green were judged fairer in boxing and wrestling than athletes wearing red. In taekwondo we did not find any significant impact of uniform color. Results suggest that uniform color in combat sports carries specific meanings that affect others' judgments.

A growing body of research has emphasized the role of facial structures in affecting human social behavior. In particular, the facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) was found to predict aggressive behavior, most notably in men of low social status. The current study aimed at broadening the insights into the role of fWHR in sports regarding the indicators of aggressive behavior and performance. We questioned the impact of fWHR in association football by analyzing fouls committed by players, their (yellow and red) cards received, and their goals scored and assists in the German (n = 278) and Austrian (n = 194) first division in the 2016–2017 season (306/180 matches). The market values of players were used as a measure of social status. Generalized estimating equation models taking negative binomial distribution into account did not reveal any significant impact of fWHR on fouls committed, yellow and red cards received, or assists and goals scored. Even the consideration of players’ field positions, players’ body mass index (BMI), their market value, and the interactional term of players’ fWHR and players’ market value did not affect the results. The analyses refuted any impact of fWHR in association football both on parameters of aggressive behavior (fouls and cards received) and performance (goals and assists). Merely, players’ market value was found to predict players’ goals and assists. The current study adds to the empirical evidence encouraging a critical assessment and discussion of fWHR research in sports.

Abstract:The impact of feedback on performance turned out to be inconsistent with respect to the significance of a wide range of moderating variables. Concerning personality traits, generalized self-efficacy, self-esteem, locus of control, and emotional stability have been shown to affect the processing of feedba ck. So far, feedback research has observed these traits in isolation, neglecting their interrelations. This study was carried out to investigate the impact of an integrative, higher order concept including these traits (termed as core self-evaluations) on the effects of feedback interventions. Participants (N = 471) received manipulated positive, negative or no feedback (control group) in the scope of two test performances conducted on the computer. Confirmatory factor analysis corroborated the concept of core self-evaluations. Repeated measures ANOVA did not reveal an effect of core self-evaluations on the impact of feedback. Considering the single traits, solely self-esteem turned out to affect the power of feedback.