Abstract:
Making quick and correct decisions is essential for the performance of softball and
baseball hitters. Young athletes frequently struggle with decision-making as a
result of an emphasis on swing force over reaction time abilities. The purpose of
this study was to validate a Go/NoGo Reaction Time Perceptual Decision-making
test. The researchers created a test to evaluate players' decision-making skills
based on their recognition reaction time. The study utilized an embedded mixedmethod
design to analyze the test’s content validity, known-group validity, and
reliability by combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Specific
participant criteria were established for each group: the first group included two
Physical Education (PE) professionals (one male and one female) and a softball
coach for peer review, the second group included ten PE professionals and coaches
for content validation, and 60 participants, including 30 male and female PE
students, and 30 male and female softball athletes, were selected for the knowngroup
validity and internal consistency assessment. The study's encouraging
outcomes demonstrate the test’s relevance and timeliness in sports research.
Positive response from Physical Education specialists verified its effectiveness in
testing perceptual decision-making skills, with a content validity rating of 1.00.
The test also demonstrated known-group validity by distinguishing between the
decision-making abilities of PE students and athletes (Mann-Whitney U Test:
W=823, p0.001, ES=0.829). As indicated by the Kuder-Richardson 21 reliability
coefficient (0.603), the internal consistency reliability was moderate, indicating
consistent measurements over several trials with consistent difficulty. In
conclusion, the Go/NoGo Reaction Time Perceptual Decision-making Skill Test has
evolved as a valid and reliable instrument for measuring softball hitting decisionmaking
skills, helping both athletes and non-athletes make better judgments
throughout the game, identify areas for improvement, and develop individualized
training plans, and marking a substantial development in sports performance
evaluation, addressing a methodological gap in strengthening softball and
baseball players’ decision-making skills.
