Why Football Players Prefer Lower Jersey Numbers

Why Football Players Prefer Lower Jersey Numbers

Perception and Jersey Numbers: Why Football Players Believe Lower Numbers Make Them Look Slimmer and Faster

Image Source: HealthDay

Being a football player is not usually associated with vanity, but it appears that wide receivers have a particular obsession with jersey numbers. They believe that lower numbers, specifically those between 10 and 19, make them appear slimmer and more agile. Surprisingly, recent research suggests that their perception may not be entirely unfounded.

A study published in the journal PLOS ONE has found that our perception of numbers actually influences our perception of body sizes. The research, conducted by a team led by Ladan Shams, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of California, Los Angeles, aimed to understand why wide receivers prefer lower jersey numbers and whether there is any scientific basis for their belief.

In the past, wide receivers were required to wear uniform numbers between 80 and 89. However, the National Football League (NFL) changed this rule in 2004, allowing wider number choices. Since then, nearly 80% of wide receivers have opted for numbers between 10 and 19. When asked about their preference, many athletes mentioned that they believed lower numbers made them look faster and slimmer compared to the higher numbers typically associated with their position.

Shams, intrigued by this psychological phenomenon, decided to investigate further. Her research team conducted two experiments to test the perception of body sizes associated with different jersey numbers. In the first experiment, participants were shown computer-generated images of players in identical poses, with variations in body size, skin color, and jersey number. Results consistently showed that players wearing numbers between 10 and 19 were perceived as thinner, irrespective of their actual body size and the color of their skin or jersey.

• Bruce Springsteen postpones shows due to peptic ulcers.
• No link between vaccines and serious MS flare-ups.
• Concussions in early life linked to long-term memory issues, accord...

To explore this further, the researchers conducted a second experiment in person, focusing on how the shape of numbers affects perception. The team compared number combinations that had the same digits but varied in the order in which they appeared (e.g., 17 and 71, 18 and 81, 19 and 91). Although the effect was slightly smaller than in the first experiment, participants still judged players with higher numbers as being more robust.

These findings suggest that our brains rely on established associations between numbers and size attributes when perceiving body size. Ladan Shams explains that previous research has shown our brains are adept at detecting and storing statistical associations, even without our conscious awareness. These associations help the brain quickly and accurately interpret sensory information in a noisy and ambiguous world.

While the study sheds light on the role of perception in our daily lives, Shams emphasizes that it is essential to recognize the potential implications of these perceptual biases. Implicit biases can lead to negative judgments and behavior towards specific individuals or social groups. Shams highlights the importance of representation and encourages the need to see all kinds of people engaging in diverse activities. By leveraging the statistical learning power of our brains, we can reduce implicit bias.

This study offers a fascinating insight into the subconscious associations we make when perceiving body size. It also raises broader questions about the influence of perception on our behaviors and interactions with others. Whether you’re a football player choosing a jersey number or an individual forming judgments, be mindful of the impact perception can have and strive for a more inclusive and unbiased perspective.

Sources:

• HealthDay
• UCLA News Release