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

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 properties and can be used to assess contextual motivation towards PE in the Portuguese context.