Interactive Thinking and its Relationship to 800-Meter Performance among Physical Education and Sports Science Students

Abstract

       This research aims to identify the relationship between interactive thinking and 800-meter performance in the track and field event among students of the College of Physical Education and Sports Science at Al-Mustansiriya University. The researcher used the descriptive method as it was suitable for the nature of the research problem. The research population was defined as the students of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at Al-Mustansiriya University during the academic year (2025-2026), totaling (170) students. The main study sample consisted of (30) students, representing (17.64%), while the pilot study sample comprised (9) students randomly selected from the research population.

After presenting and discussing the results, a number of conclusions were reached, including a significant correlation between the interactive thinking scale and the level of achievement in the 800-meter race among fourth-year students at the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences. Interactive thinking helps students make appropriate decisions during performance, such as choosing the right time to increase speed or maintain running pace.

The researcher recommends focusing on developing interactive thinking among students at the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences due to its role in improving performance in track and field events. She also emphasizes the necessity of integrating physical and mental training when preparing students for track and field events. Furthermore, she recommends conducting a similar study on students in various sports.