Development and Validation of a Test Instrument for the Assessment of Basic Motor Competencies in Primary School

Abstract

A central aim of Physical Education (PE) is the promotion of basic motor competencies (“Motorische Basiskompetenzen” [MOBAK]). These are the necessary prerequisites for developing a physically active lifestyle. Valid test instruments are needed for the evaluation of the effect of PE. For this purpose, we developed a test instrument for the assessment of basic motor competencies in first graders. We empirically investigated the construct validity of this MOBAK test instrument in a study (N = 317, M = 7.0 years, girls: n = 173, boys: n = 144). The exploratory factor analysis shows a two factorial structure (locomotion, object control), which is confirmed in a confirmatory factor analysis (CFI = .96, RMSEA = .036, WRMR = .65). In subsequent analyses, we were able to demonstrate that the calculation of a factor sum value for each factor is statistically valid, the factorial structure is the same for boys and girls (χ² [6] = 6.95, p = .33), and no differential item functioning exists. The MOBAK test instrument is sufficient for the test-theoretical requirements and is thus suitable for the evaluation of the effect of PE.

Keywords:

• factor analysis
• motor basis competencies
• physical education
• test development

Notes

¹ The experts recruit from University of Basel (Switzerland, Department of Sport, Exercise and Health), University of Potsdam (Germany, Faculty of Human Sciences) and University of Teacher Education (Northwestern Switzerland).