Factor Patterns of Variables Influencing Cohesiveness at Various Levels of Basketball Competition

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive study was to confirm the presence of cohesiveness factors in male varsity basketball players representing different levels of competition. A secondary purpose was to determine the reliability of the cohesiveness items. A total of 515 players divided among the elementary school (n = 92), junior high school (n = 116), senior high school (n = 110), small college (n = 115), and large college (n = 82) levels of competition responded to a 13 item cohesiveness questionnaire prior to a team practice session. The intraclass reliability coefficient for all items was calculated for two groups. The correlations were all positive and significant ranging from .73 to .94 in junior high players and from .80 to .98 in small college players. A principal factor analysis with iteration was performed on each correlation matrix that represented a level of competition. Oblique rotation to simple structure of each factor matrix was achieved. Six factors were identified. Two factors, namely, team performance satisfaction and task cohesion appeared in all 5 levels. Affiliation cohesion appeared in all levels except senior high. Self-performance satisfaction was identified in the elementary, junior high, and large college levels. Desire for recognition was identified in the elementary, senior high, and small college levels. The last factor, named value of membership, appeared in the junior high and senior high players. A number of the factors were correlated in all levels.