Thanks Jim. Notice that there is no effect at the highest level (Junior), and that the trend (non-sgnificant though it is) is in the opposite direction: Q1=30 Q2=22 Q3=30 Q4=33
Canada's Juniors currently lead Sweden 3-0 in the 3rd! Chris Green York U. Toronto =========== Jim Clark wrote: > Hi > > Here's a nice study with data. > > http://www.socialproblemindex.ualberta.ca/RelAgeMinorHockeyCJBS.pdf > > Jim > > > James M. Clark > Professor of Psychology > 204-786-9757 > 204-774-4134 Fax > [email protected] > > Department of Psychology > University of Winnipeg > Winnipeg, Manitoba > R3B 2E9 > CANADA > > > >>>> "Christopher D. Green" <[email protected]> 05-Jan-09 6:30 PM >>> >>>> > Beth Benoit wrote: > >> The section I'm considering using is the claim that Canadian ice >> hockey players are more likely to be born in the first few months of >> the calendar year. I'll probably follow the same method as >> above, breaking students into groups to examine the roster I'll hand >> out, then giving them Gladwell's explanation. >> .... >> I'd also be interested in thoughts from our Canadian brethren about >> the concept of early birthdates being helpful to hockey success. >> Stephen, Chris? >> > > Funny, I had just heard this claim over Christmas from a relative of > mine. She said that something like half of NHLers are born in the first > three or four months of the year. But for all I know, she got this from > the Gladwell book (which I haven't read). > > The general claim makes some sense to me. When kids are young, the size > and coordination differences between those born in January and those > born in December can be quite noticeable. I'd be a little surprised, > however, if this continued on into the elite levels as strongly as is > claimed for three reasons: (1) Many professional hockey players are > mostly huge compared to the rest of us, and so they were probably never > small compared to their classes, even if they were a few months younger > then average. (2) It is not the case that once you're the best in your > class you always remain that way. For instance, I was just talking to > friends whose 14-yr-old daughter has been very good a volleyball until > now. She was also taller than most of her classmates, but this year she > her growth has slowed while many of her classmates have caught up or > passed her, so she is quite suddenly not as dominant as she has been up > to now. By the time one reaches elite levels of sport, I would expect > that much of the early advantage would be neutralized. (3) At elite > levels of a sport, sheer physical talent is an important factor. Most of > we ordinary mortals could not compete with them even if we practiced as > many hours a day as they do. > > Canada goes against Sweden for the world junior championship tonight! Go > Canucks! > > Chris > -- Christopher D. Green Department of Psychology York University Toronto, ON M3J 1P3 Canada 416-736-2100 ex. 66164 [email protected] http://www.yorku.ca/christo/ ========================== --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
