Research on Validation of Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument (PPLI) in Korean Middle School Students

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate validation of the Korean PPLI questionnaire, which can measure an individual’s perceived Physical Literacy, for middle school students in South Korea. Methods The subjects consisted of 608 students (male: 317 and female: 291) from the 1st to 3rd grade at five public middle schools in D Metropolitan City of Korea. The Korean PPLI scale for this study was completed through translation, reverse translation, and content review by expert groups. For data analysis, descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, construct validity analysis were performed, using SPSS 26 and AMOS 27 statistical program. Results The results showed that first, the total score of the study participants ranged from 10 to 44 points, with a mean of 33.11 and male students had higher average scores than female one in all sub-factors. Second, the results of CFA, Chi-square (x2=146.233, df=24, p<.001), RMSEA=0.092, RMR=0.51, GFI=0.948. IFI=0.947, TLI=0..921, CFI=0.947 showed acceptable model fit. And as a result of examining the factor structures, the three-factor model outperformed alternative models. Third, as a result of the convergent validity analysis, the factor loading (0.59-0.91) of all items meet the criterion (>0.5), AVE value ranged from 0.361 to 0.651, and CR value ranged from 0.629 to 0.847. And as a result of the discriminant validity analysis, factor 1 and factor 3 were judged appropriate under the two discriminant conditions, but factor 2 was judged inappropriate due to the low AVE value in the first discrimination condition (AVE>r 2). Conclusions Based on the results of this study, the Korean PPLI questionnaire scale was a valid and reliable measurement tool among Korean adolescents. Therefore, it is expected to be used as a useful tool for understanding the perceived Physical Literacy of Korean adolescents.