Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
05:59
Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Brief physical activity-related psychosocial measures: reliability and construct validity.
Jordan A Carlson1, James F Sallis, Nicole Wagner
1Dept of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
Journal of Physical Activity & Health
|December 31, 2011
Summary
Brief psychosocial scales show good reliability and validity for assessing physical activity (PA) interventions. Some scales require further development, but many can advance PA research and practice.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Health Psychology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Psychosocial factors significantly influence physical activity (PA) levels.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for designing effective PA interventions.
- Existing measures may not be brief or theory-based enough for widespread use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate brief, theory-based psychosocial scales for assessing PA.
- To determine the reliability and validity of these scales in diverse populations.
- To facilitate research and practice in PA promotion.
Main Methods:
- Compiled brief psychosocial scales from existing measures.
- Study 1: Assessed factor structure and construct validity in overweight/obese men and women using PA and accelerometry.
- Study 2: Evaluated 2-week reliability and internal consistency in college students.
Main Results:
- Confirmatory factor analysis showed good model fit for men and women.
- Construct validity was supported for change strategies, self-efficacy, and enjoyment.
- Reliability was adequate for most scales, though further testing is needed for 'cons' and 'enjoyment' scales.
Conclusions:
- Many brief psychosocial scales demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity.
- These scales have the potential to enhance research and practice in PA promotion.
- Further refinement of certain scales is recommended for optimal use.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Reliability and Validity
Reliability and validity are two important considerations that must be made with any type of data collection. Reliability refers to the ability to consistently produce a given result. In the context of psychological research, this would mean that any instruments or tools used to collect data do so in consistent, reproducible ways.
01:05Data Collection III
The physical assessment examines the patient for objective data that defines the patient's condition, and aids in formulating the nursing care plan. The purpose of physical assessment is a health status appraisal, which includes identifying health problems, and establishing a database for nursing intervention.
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the patient.
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the patient.
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
A thorough health history and physical assessment are essential for identifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) symptoms and distinguishing them from other health issues.
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:22Self-Report Tests of Personality
Self-report inventories are objective personality assessments that use multiple-choice items or numbered scales, typically ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). They are often called Likert scales after Rensis Likert. These inventories are widely used due to their ease of administration and cost-effectiveness. One of the most prominent examples is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), initially developed in the 1940s to assess abnormal personality traits.