Relationship between Intelligence Quotient (Dimension-Wise) and Sports Performance of Shuttlers and Academics

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between Intelligence Quotient (IQ) dimensions and performance outcomes in two domains—sports (specifically badminton) and academics—among adolescents aged 14 to 17 years in Haryana, India. A total of 400 male subjects were randomly selected, comprising 200 shuttlers and 200 academic performers. The primary objective of the research was to assess the influence of specific IQ dimensions—namely Vocabulary, Classification, Number Series, Analogies, and Reasoning—on sports performance and academic achievement. The Group Test of General Mental Ability by S. Jalota was administered to evaluate the cognitive abilities of all participants across the five IQ dimensions. Sports performance was assessed through official records and competitive match outcomes, while academic performance was based on school-reported academic scores. The collected data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient to examine the relationship between IQ and performance indicators in both groups. The findings revealed a positive and statistically significant correlation between all IQ dimensions and performance outcomes in both domains. In the shuttler group, reasoning and numerical ability emerged as the most influential cognitive factors contributing to sports performance. Similarly, in the academic group, strong performance in number series and reasoning dimensions was associated with higher academic success. The study concludes that higher cognitive abilities across various dimensions of IQ contribute meaningfully to both athletic and academic performance. These findings emphasize the importance of cognitive profiling for effective talent identification, athlete training, and academic guidance. The results carry practical implications for coaches, educators, and psychologists, encouraging a more holistic approach to developing youth potential in both educational and athletic settings.