Development of the children’s active play imagery questionnaire

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to develop an instrument, the Children’s Active Play Imagery Questionnaire (CAPIQ), to assess imagery use during children’s (7–14 years) active play. Phase 1 involved an assessment of content validity using experts (N = 7), while Phase 2 assessed the factorial validity of the CAPIQ using a sample of children (N = 302). Phase 3 contributed to the factorial validity of the CAPIQ by utilising confirmatory factor analysis among an independent sample of children (N = 252). The final version of the CAPIQ consists of 11 items across three factors: fun, social and capability. Further use of the CAPIQ will aid in identifying types of imagery used among children (7–14 years) in their active play, which may contribute to physical activity interventions.

Keywords:

• imagery
• measurement
• children
• active play

Acknowledgements

Krista Munroe-Chandler and Craig Hall would like to thank the Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) for funding support.

Notes

^1. Active play can be distinguished from deliberate play. Deliberate play involves early developmental physical activities which can be intrinsically motivating and provide enjoyment. Although active play and deliberate play may encompass similar outcomes, the distinction between the two contexts is that of sport. Specifically, deliberate play is suggested to be a form of sporting activity. Individuals engage in activities (e.g. street ice hockey, backyard soccer) which involve adapting rules from standardised sports, while active play encompasses all forms of unstructured physical activity that takes place during a child’s free time (e.g. jumping on a trampoline, playing tag, backyard soccer). Additionally, deliberate play lends to an athlete’s skill development, while active play may not.

^2. Younger-aged participants (7–8 years) required additional time and explanation of the items being asked. Researchers provided standardised elaboration on any item requiring more clarification. Researchers provided additional examples to younger participants of active play situations to enhance their comprehension of the items.