Translation and validation of the perceived locus of causality questionnaire (PLOCQ) in a sample of portuguese physical education students

Abstract AIM This study main aim was to translate and validate one of the most used SDT-based instruments to assess motivation in PE classes, the Perceived Locus of Causality Questionnaire (PLOCQ), to the Portuguese context. METHOD Sample was composed of 652 boys (M=15.4 years; SD=1.90) and 702 girls (M=15.47 years; SD=1.95), enrolled in physical education classes in several Portuguese schools. RESULTS The analysis provided support for a five factors and 18 items model, after excluding two items (χ² = 491.473, df = 125, p = <.001, SRMR = .062, NNFI = .908, CFI = .924, RMSEA = .067, 90% CI .061-.073). Sample and gender invariance procedures were made to ensure proper psychometric validation. Results presented support for the model in both gender and calibration/validation samples. CONCLUSION This study suggests that PLOCQ with five factors and 18 items has good psychometric proprieties and can be used to assess contextual motivation towards PE in the Portuguese context.