Using the EZ-Diffusion Model to Score a Single-Category Implicit Association Test of Physical Activity

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Measurement Science

Background:

• The Single-Category Implicit Association Test (SC-IAT) is used to assess automatic evaluations of physical activity.
• Concerns exist regarding measurement artifact and consciously-held attitudes confounding SC-IAT scores.
• There is a need for a more valid scoring technique for the SC-IAT in physical activity research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate a novel scoring technique for the SC-IAT.
• To address measurement concerns associated with SC-IATs for physical activity.
• To determine if the information processing efficiency score is a valid measure of automatic evaluations.

Main Methods:

• Two studies were conducted: Study 1 (cross-sectional, N=104) and Study 2 (prospective, N=91).
• Participants completed SC-IATs for physical activity, flowers, and sedentary behavior.
• The EZ-diffusion model was used to calculate an information processing efficiency score.

Main Results:

• Study 1 indicated the information processing score did not represent systematic measurement artifact.
• Study 2 demonstrated the information processing efficiency score was unrelated to self-reported attitudes.
• The information processing efficiency score positively predicted physical activity behavior beyond the traditional D-score.

Conclusions:

• The information processing efficiency score is a valid and reliable measure of automatic evaluations of physical activity.
• This novel scoring technique offers improved validity for SC-IATs in physical activity research.
• The findings support the use of the information processing efficiency score for assessing implicit attitudes toward physical activity.