Validation of the CATPA survey in Singapore

Abstract

This study, conducted in Singapore, is concerned with the validity of the Children’s Attitude Towards Physical Activity (CATPA) inventory. It is noted that only twice before has this tool been examined for construct validity in the Singapore context. Both tests were not conclusive of its validity. The present test is conducted to re-examine the construct validity. In addition, this study also examines the discriminant, content and concurrent validity of CATPA, and explores the fundamentals behind the outcome. A total of 203 Singaporean overweight and obese pupils, aged 12 to 17 years old, from four coeducational, neighbourhood schools were selected as participants for the study. Data were collected through the CATPA and Children’s Attraction to Physical Activity (CAPA). The internal consistency for CATPA ranged from .79 to .90 and the item analysis ranged from .44 to .86. Exploratory factor analysis yielded seven factors. The non-parametric Mann Whitney’s test suggest that there is no disciminant validity as the results showed that there were no significant differences between the obese and non-obese group. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient indicated weak to moderate relationships between the sub domains of CATPA (r = .16 to .49). Similarly, the findings also registered weak to moderate relationships between the CATPA and CAPA indicating average concurrent validity (r = .15 to .41).