Measures
Participants’ self-reported tendency toward competitiveness
was measured using the Competitiveness Index which has
been shown to have good reliability (alpha = 0.90) and
validity.35 Twenty different statements are presented on this
scale and participants indicate whether each statement is more
or less true or false for them. The total score can range from
zero to 20, with higher scores indicating greater competitiveness.
The scores in this sample ranged 1–16; using a median
split procedure (low , 9 and high 9), six participants
were classified as highly competitive (average = 11.5), while
eight were less competitive (average = 4.4). The median split
mark was also comparable with normative data (mean for
women = 9.5).35
Exercise effort (watts) was captured in 10-second intervals
by cybercycle sensors and recorded on the internal
computer, averaged across sessions, and then averaged
across the evaluation period. These data were downloaded
and average pedaling intensity (watts) was computed over a
1-month period before and after the introduction of on-screen
riding competitors (at the end of the second and third months
of the larger trial).