Investigating Attitudes Toward Physical Education: A Cross-Validation for Two Middle School Instruments

• In Event: Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: Goals, Beliefs, Attitudes, and Metacognitive States

Abstract

The Centers for Disease Control suggests that physical education plays a role in promoting healthy lifestyles. Prior research suggests a link between attitudes toward physical education and physical activity outside school. The current study provides further evidence of construct validity through a cross validation of two attitude instruments measuring attitudes toward physical education by investigating their psychometric properties with a common sample of 6th grade students (N=377). Confirmatory factor analysis results indicate that the prior model fit the data well for both instruments based on fit indices, and a multitrait-multimethod analysis provides evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. Cross validation of these instruments permits longitudinal investigations on the role of attitudes towards physical education and their impact on physical activity.

Authors

• Corinne Donovan, Adelphi University

• Kevin Mercier, Adelphi University

• Sharon Rose Phillips, Hofstra University