Iraq Intelligence Levels Among Athletic and Non-athletic Students: A Comparative Study

Hamad Abdulsalam; Waad Gharbi Salih; Mohammed Essam Dara

doi:10.35724/mjpes.v8i4.8056

Hamad Abdulsalam University of kirkuk
Waad Gharbi Salih Kirkuk General Directorate of Education, Iraq
Mohammed Essam Dara University of Kirkuk / Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Science., Iraq

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35724/mjpes.v8i4.8056

Keywords: intelligence, sporting activity, Raven’s test, lower secondary school pupils.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in intelligence levels between students who participate in sport and those who do not, and to demonstrate the impact of sporting activity on the development of cognitive abilities. The researchers employed a descriptive, comparative approach. The sample comprised 40 secondary school pupils in Kirkuk Governorate, who were divided into two equal groups: 20 pupils who participated in sporting activities and 20 who did not.
The Raven Progressive Matrices test was administered to measure intelligence, and a t-test was used to analyses the differences between the two groups. The results showed statistically significant differences in favour of the students who practise sport, with an average score of 11500. compared to 10600. for non-athletes, at a significance level of 0000.
The results indicate that sporting activity has a positive effect on the development of intelligence, which underscores the importance of integrating sporting activities into the school environment. The study recommended the need to support sporting programmes and encourage pupils to participate in them to enhance their cognitive and psychological well-being.