Factorial structure of general motor ability in university, student and its Sex difference

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to clarify the factorial structure of general motor ability in university student and its sex difference. Samples were 173 freshmen and 226 freshwomen. Three factor solutions; Principal factor solution, Alpha factor solution and Canonical factor solution, were applied to the 34×34 correlation matrices in men and women, respectively. Thereafter, multiple orthogonal solutions were led by Normal Varimax rotation procedure to extract the significant factors. From these results the sex difference in factorial structure was discussed by comparing factor similarity, easiness of interpretation and the hypothesized factors between both sexes. Nine and eleven significant factors were extracted for men and women, respectively. The factors extracted commonly in men and women were Static strength, Explosive strength, Muscular en-durance, Gross body coordination, Quickness of movement, Body linearity and Body bulk. But these factors when judged from the factorial similarity and factor loadings, seemed to have different characteristics in some extent. In general, the comparisons of the number of extracted factors, easiness of interpretation of factors, and the hypothesized factors between men and women, it was considered that the women's factorial structure was more differentiated that of men, and the clearer structure of general motor ability was suggested in women than in men.