Date of Award

January 2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology & Public Health Education

First Advisor

Sandra Moritz

Abstract

Aim. This study compared two different evaluation methods of cognitive ability (Wonderlic and a Football Test) and their relationships to Assign Grade (accuracy of their decision making on the football field). Methods. Thirty-seven NCAA football players were given both tests, separated by several weeks. Additionally, the football coaches graded the players’ decision making performance with an “Assign Grade,” an evaluation of the players’ ability to make the correct decisions on the field. Results. Spearman rho correlation coefficient showed no significant correlations between the Wonderlic Personnel Test and Assign Grade (r = 0.04, p = 0.82) for any of the groups or player positions. Correlations were higher for the Football Test and Assign Grade (r = 0.30, p = 0.07), and a positive result was found for the Football Test and Assign Grade (r = 0.46, p = 0.04), when the specific positions were categorized as “more cognitive demanding.” Conclusion. There should be more research done to understand the cognitive demands of playing football and type of tests best predict performance.

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