Exploring Content Knowledge Mastery Among Form Six Sports Science Students: A Case Study in Petaling Perdana District, Selangor

This study examines the mastery of basic sports science content knowledge among Form Six students in a college in Section 24, Shah Alam, Petaling Perdana District, Selangor, with a focus on gender differences. Student selection for the sports science stream is self-determined, without teacher-driven criteria. The study aimed to assess the initial knowledge level of new entrants. A sample of 21 students (8 males, 13 females) was selected using simple random sampling. Data collection used a multiple-choice Sports Science Basic Content Knowledge test covering four areas: Introduction to Sports Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Physical Fitness, and Sports Coaching. The instrument’s content validity was r = .93, and its difficulty index was d = .60. Descriptive analysis showed that 62.5% of male students achieved a very good level, while 32.5% were at a good level. Among female students, 7.7% reached a very good level, 53.8% a good level, and 38.5% a moderate level. An independent t-test revealed a significant difference between male and female students’ knowledge levels, t(49) = 3.153, p = .003. Male students had higher average scores (M = 45.33, SD = 7.51) compared to female students (M = 37.68, SD = 9.42). These findings highlight the importance of assessing students’ foundational sports science knowledge before they enter the Form Six stream, helping teachers better support student development.