Wargamer Profiling - Results

(Note: two more data points added into analysis 11AUG2015)

Last month I proposed a notion of classifying or profiling wargamers' attributes based on four criteria.  Those criteria consisted of ratings for Collector (size), Historian, Craftsman, and Gaming Frequency.  For a detailed explanation of this survey and its motivation, see Wargamer Profiling.

My goal was three-fold:

1. Attempt to reduce the dimension of Haskell's classifications
2. Qualify myself based on these revised classifications
3. Draw out responses from readers to build a multi-dimensional profiling snapshot

For this exercise, I had 17 brave souls step forward to be counted in profiling their wargaming attributes.  Including my own data, that totals to n=18 participants.  Still a very small sample and self-selection might bias the results but an interesting picture nonetheless.

If a mean or average rating is 5 (over 1 to 10 scale) in the Craftsman and Historian attributes then most participants are above average.  Average Craftsman and Historian Ratings in this survey came in at about 7.50 each.  For most, both the wargaming craft, itself, as well as the history component are important facets of the hobby.  On average, respondents hold a collection totaling 5,000-10,000 painted miniatures and game roughly one game per month.  Of course, wide variety existed among the participants.

What can be inferred from these limited results?  For one, there appears to be a general linear relationship between Historian and Craftsman attributes.  That is, higher ratings for Historian tend to correspond to higher ratings for Craftsman.  Examining the Attribute Correlation Coefficients Table, the only significant relationship is between History and Craft with a positive Pearson Correlation Coefficient of 0.56107.  Still focusing on the correlation coefficients, Nate asked if an inverse relationship existed between Craft and collection Size.  A slight inverse relationship exists but not in a statistically significant sense (p=0.5320).  That was a good question!    

Model HISTORY = CRAFT

Attribute Correlation Coefficients

As the Scatter Plot Matrix below suggests, relationships between variables appear weak.  Looking at the correlation between History and Size, considering oneself a historian has no bearing on collection size.  What does that suggest?

Attribute Scatter Plot Matrix

Second, about half of the respondents clustered around Craftsman = 8 although there are a couple of outliers.

Of course, the sample size is quite small and the ratings are arbitrarily measured but, for me, this was an interesting exercise and helps place my own attributes into context of a few peers.  Response rate has been low.  To improve any potential inferences made, a larger sample size would be beneficial.

For any reader wishing to add their profile attributes into this survey, please add your attributes as a comment or send them via email.  I will gladly add your data into the graphic.  

Thank you to all who have already contributed.