| This correlational study examined the relationship between a figure skater's perceived efficacy for performing well in a specific competition and her placement in that competition. The sample in this study was Olympic eligible female North American figure skaters (N = 42, mean age = 14) who produced usable data and performed in the ladies short program at the Wissahickon Summer Competition 2001. The study had five research hypotheses, four of which were supported. The primary hypothesis, that there is a significant relationship between figure skaters' competition efficacy and competition placement, was supported (r = .48, p = .01, N = 42). In addition, a multiple regression using competition placement as the criterion variable and competition efficacy, skating skill efficacy, and competition experience as predictor variables showed competition efficacy to be the only predictor of competition placement, supporting the second and third hypotheses of the investigation. Internal reliability and criterion related validity were established for the Skating Competition Inventory, an individualized competition efficacy scale constructed for this study. However, no relationship was found between the Skating Competition Inventory and athletes' placements in competition, showing it not to be a valid measure of competition efficacy in the sport of figure skating. The investigator suggests that future studies could explore using an individualized scale, such as the SCI, as a tool to assist athletes in identifying concerns to be worked on in mental training sessions prior to competition and as a measure to monitor efficacy strengthening strategies used in training. Investigators may also consider using Martin and Gills's placement efficacy scale to examine the relationship between competition efficacy and placement in other sports. |
