Measuring Fitness Actions and Dispositions Associated With Physical Activity: Validation of a Self-Report Instrument

Authors

  • L. Kent Griffin Texas Tech Univeristy
  • Eugene Wang Texas Tech University
  • M. A. Hart Texas Tech University

Abstract

Over the past 20 years, the status of adolescent health has deteriorated at an alarming rate. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) proposed six standards that identified characteristics of a physically educated individual. Some of these standards address constructs that can be framed in the self-determination theory. The purpose of this study was to validate an instrument intended to measure the actions and dispositions toward physical activity as a result of participation in a physical education program. Participants for this investigation were university freshmen. This sample was chosen because the participants were coming from a recent high school physical education experience. Using exploratory factor analyses, Griffin, Wang, and Hart (2008) found four-factor and three-factor solutions for actions and dispositions, respectively. The current study used confirmatory factor analysis that provides evidence for construct validity of the instrument for measuring the actions and dispositions toward physical activity. As a result of this investigation, a questionnaire measuring actions and dispositions toward physical activity has been validated. The instrument can easily be used by physical education specialists, physical activity practitioners, and academicians.

 

 

Author Biographies

L. Kent Griffin, Texas Tech Univeristy

Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences

Assistant Professor

Eugene Wang, Texas Tech University

Educational Psychology

Assistant Professor

M. A. Hart, Texas Tech University

Exercise and Sport Sciences

Associate Professor

Published

2014-01-28

Issue

Section

Articles