Scholastic Achievement of Boys 9,12, and 15 Years of Age as Related to Various Strength and Growth Measures

Abstract The experimental design used in this study consisted of forming a series of high and low scoring groups of 20 boys each separately on the basis of three strength and two growth measures at each age, 9, 12, and 15 years; each pair of high and low groups was equated by use of intelligence quotients. The academic achievements of the groups were then contrasted. A consistent and significant tendency for the high groups to have higher means on both standard achievement tests and grade point averages was noted. There were more and greater differences in scholastic achievement between the high and low Physical Fitness Index groups than there were for the other strength and growth measures compared. The Strength Index was especially effective at nine years of age. For each of the other experimental variables, Rogers' arm strength score, McCloy's Classification Index, and Wetzel's developmental level, significance between means on academic measures was achieved once only.