The effectiveness of a guidance program based on cognitive flexibility in addressing the overlap of sports knowledge among students of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences

Abstract

This research aims to identify the level of sports knowledge interference among third-year students at the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Al-Qadisiyah University, by developing a reliable, valid, and discriminatory sports knowledge interference scale. It also aims to create a guidance program based on cognitive flexibility to address this interference among students. The research problem stems from the observation that students suffer from anxieties related to sports knowledge interference due to conflicting ideas. Many students perform at a level that does not reflect their skill and academic abilities, nor does it align with their interaction and responses. This leads to negative thoughts and other undesirable psychological phenomena that interfere with the students' academic and skill capabilities. The researcher defined the study population and sample as third-year students at the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Al-Qadisiyah University, and also consulted students from other colleges of physical education and sports sciences at universities in the Middle Euphrates region to develop the scale. A total of 504 students were selected. The researcher used an experimental design (control group and experimental group with pre- and post-testing) as it was suitable for the nature of the research.  The experiment was implemented over nine weeks, with two sessions per week, totaling 18 sessions. The program integrated various methods and techniques through a number of scientifically designed sessions and activities aimed at developing students' meta-emotional skills. The findings indicate that the sports Knowledge Interference Scale used in the research was effective in addressing the students' mathematical knowledge interference, and the program developed for the students proved successful in resolving this interference. Recommendations include utilizing the sports Knowledge Interference Scale and implementing the guidance program, based on cognitive flexibility, with other university students and applying it to both team and individual sports. Statistical methods used included the arithmetic mean, median, Torsion coefficient,t-test, Pearson's coefficient, Cronbach's coefficient, and coefficient of variation.