The Perceptual Load and its Effect in the Processing of Attention According to the Systems of Representation of Information (Audiovisual) in Coaches of the Age Groups of Football

Abstract

Based on their predominant information representation method (auditory/visual), this research sought to determine how cognitive load affected young football coaches' attention processing. The issue arises from the high density of stimuli seen in current football training settings, and it is yet unknown how alternative representation systems affect attention efficiency at different levels of cognitive load, especially for coaches. Thus, the purpose of this research was to ascertain if the information representation system and the degree of cognitive load affect attention processing. The study population consisted of young coaches enrolled in a training program for the Iraqi Sports Federation. The research used a comparative experimental design. Auditory and visual performance were examined in two typical groups. Cognitive load and selective attention across four levels of visual stimuli were measured using an automated task. Performance metrics were response time, error count, and processing failure rate. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to statistically assess the data. The first and fourth load levels revealed substantial differences in late selective attention, favoring the auditory system in both speed and accuracy, but there were no discernible changes in early selective attention between the auditory and visual systems. Additionally, processing failure peaked at the peak perceptual load, indicating that perceptual load plays a critical role in trainers' attentional processing efficiency.