Exploring the Relation Between Imagery Ability and Performance While Doing Anticipation Tasks in Different Weather Conditions: The Case of Army Student Pilots

Background and Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of military students performing prediction tasks under different weather conditions and also to investigate the relationship between the ability of mental imagery and the ability to predict these students. In addition, in this research, a comparison was made between the ability to predict pilots and other students. Methods: In this research, a total of 19 students, including pilot and non-piloting students, first completed the VMIQ-2 and then each shot in three different conditions. The samples were first shot in steady conditions, and then they were asked to shoot the moving targets displayed by the shooting simulator. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used for normal distribution of data and analysis of variance with repeated measures was used for significant comparison between groups and Pearson correlation coefficient was used to measure the correlation between variables using SPSS software version 16. Results: Significant differences were observed between the three shooting situations using repeated measures analysis of variance (P<0.003). There was a significant difference between the fixed position with performing predictive tasks in the moving position (P<0.023) and moving in the presence of wind conditions (P<0.017). Also, the ability to predict pilot students was higher than non-pilot students in moving position (35.50) and moving with the wind (35.50), respectively, but no significant difference was observed between the two groups (P>0.05) and in No direct relationship was observed between any of the types of imaging and the results of the prediction tasks. Conclusion: Adaptive prediction and mental training in military organs, especially in pilots, is very important due to the existence of many moving targets in flight, such as chasing a fighter, or vehicle and targeting it at the desired point and time, and having this skill increases accuracy and the speed of decision-making and ultimately their success in military operations.