Relationships between Psychological Functions Tests and Selected Sport Skills of Boys in Junior High School

Abstract

Abstract Junior high school boys (N=181) took part in this study. There were 91 athletes and 90 nonathletes who took five psychological function tests2 and eight sport skill tests to determine (a) whether differences existed in selected psychological functions and selected sport skills between junior high school boy athletes and nonathletes, (b) the degree of relationship between psychological functions and sport skills, (c) the implementation of a six-multiple variation equation in predicting probable individual sport skill scores, and (d) the degree of relationship between a long and short form psychological functions test and a long and short form sport skills test. The Stoelting visual reaction timer apparatus was used to test for simple reaction time. The Howard-Dolman apparatus was used to test for depth perception. The McClure perimeter was used to test for peripheral vision left eye, right eye, and total angle. The sport skill tests used were soccer combination skills and volley; basketball dribble shoot and volley; volleyball volley and serve; and baseball volley and repeat throws. Significant differences existed on all psychological function tests and sport skill tests between athletes and nonathletes, in favor of athletes. The psychological function tests were independent of each other except for peripheral vision total angle with right eye and left eye. There was a low to moderate relationship between the psychological functions and the sport skills. The six-variable multiple R regression equation had a 70 percent predictive accuracy on individual scores for each sport skill test. The short form psychological functions test and the short form sport skills test could replace their respective long forms. The short form psychological functions test could moderately predict sport skill performance in the sport skill areas selected.