The association between perceptual-cognitive processes and response time in decision making in young soccer players

In soccer, it is relevant to understand the roles of Systems 1 (intuitive) and 2 (deliberative) in perceptual-cognitive processes and how they influence response time when making decisions. The aim of this study was to analyse how response time in decision making managed by Systems 1 and 2 is associated to the perceptual-cognitive processes of young soccer players. Ninety young soccer players participated. Perceptual-cognitive processes were assessed through visual search strategies, cognitive effort, and verbal reports. Participants wore a mobile-eye tracking system while viewing 11-a-side match play video-based soccer simulations. Response time in decision making was used to create two sub-groups: faster and slower decision-makers. Results indicated that players with faster response time in decision making employed more fixations of shorter duration, displayed less cognitive effort, as well as a greater number of thought processes associated with planning. These results reinforce that there are differences in the way of using the perceptive-cognitive processes from the priority system in the decision-making process. It is concluded that faster decision making, managed by System 1, implies greater ability to employ visual search strategies and to process information, thus enabling increased cognitive efficiency.

Automated summary

The study analyzed how response time in decision making managed by Systems 1 and 2 is associated with the perceptual-cognitive processes of young soccer players. Participants were divided into faster and slower decision-makers based on their response time. Results showed that faster decision-makers employed more fixations of shorter duration, displayed less cognitive effort, and had more thought processes associated with planning, reinforcing differences in the use of perceptual-cognitive processes in decision-making and the efficiency of System 1 in faster decision-making.