TAIS DOES NOT PREDICT SPORT DECISION-MAKING

Vallerand, R. J. (1983). Attention and decision making: A test of the predictive validity of the Test of Attention and Interpersonal Style (TAIS) in a sport setting. Journal of Sport Psychology, 5, 449-459.

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between athletes' attentional styles as measured by Nideffer's TAIS and a performance component, decision-making. Decision-makers were rated as good, average, or poor by coaches. It was hypothesized that good decision-makers would score better on the positive "scan" factor (higher BET, BIT, INFP scales) and display a more adequate "focus" (low OET and OIT, but high NAR scales).

It was found that TAIS did not predict decision-making in sport, a factor that would seem to be very relevant to attentional capacity.

Implication. TAIS does not predict decision-making capacities in athletes.

[TAIS' origin - Nideffer, R. M. (1976). The Test of Attentional and Interpersonal Style. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 34, 394-404.]

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