Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Physical Education, Ta.C., Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
2
Department of Physical Education, Sh Q., Islamic Azad University, Shahr Qods, Iran
3
Department of Cognitive Science, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/mmbj.2026.68500.1216
Abstract
Considering the opportunities that video games provide to learners, they can be regarded as effective tools for facilitating learning, organizing cognitive structures, and modifying skill execution. This research aimed to examine the role of virtual and real games in enhancing anticipation and decision-making abilities. For this purpose, 45 non-athlete female novice students from the Islamic Azad University of Tabriz and 13 skilled female soccer players, aged 22 ± 3.08 years, were selected based on entry criteria and availability. They were divided into five groups: computer football games, Xbox games, real field games, control, and athletes(skilled), and participated in a laboratory-based (pre-test - post-test) setup.
The initial assessment used the temporal occlusion technique to evaluate anticipation and decision-making accuracy and speed through verbal reporting in three selected skills: passing, shooting, and dribbling. Subsequently, participants in each group underwent eight training sessions, followed by a post-test for all groups. Data were analyzed using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) test in SPSS version 21 software.
The analysis results showed that the group effect was significant at a 95% confidence level (p = 0.01, eta squared = 0.22, F = 3.74), indicating significant differences in anticipation and decision-making skills among the groups. Moreover, the decision-making speed in the field group was significantly higher than in the skilled athlete and computer groups, while no significant differences were observed in other groups. The findings suggest that the interaction of various perceptual- cognitive and perceptual-motor skills is crucial when designing test instructions and educational interventions.
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