ERIC Number: EJ1023429
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0270-1367
EISSN: N/A
Development and Psychometric Testing of the Dogs and WalkinG Survey (DAWGS)
Richards, Elizabeth A.; McDonough, Meghan H.; Edwards, Nancy E.; Lyle, Roseann M.; Troped, Philip J.
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, v84 n4 p492-502 2013
Purpose: Dog owners represent 40% of the population, a promising audience to increase population levels of physical activity. The purpose of this study was to develop and test the psychometric properties of a new instrument to assess social-cognitive theory constructs related to dog walking. Method: Dog owners ("N" = 431) completed the Dogs and WalkinG Survey (DAWGS). Survey items assessed dog-walking behaviors and self-efficacy, social support, outcome expectations, and outcome expectancies for dog walking. Test-retest reliability was assessed among 252 (58%) survey respondents who completed the survey twice. Factorial validity and factorial invariance by age and walking level were tested using confirmatory factor analysis. Results: DAWGS items demonstrated moderate test - retest reliability (? = 0.39 - 0.79; k = 0.41 -- 0.89). Acceptable model fit was found for all subscales. All subscales were invariant by age and walking level, except self-efficacy, which showed mixed evidence of invariance. Conclusions: The DAWGS is a psychometrically sound instrument for examining individual and interpersonal correlates of dog walking.
Descriptors: Physical Activities, Physical Activity Level, Measures (Individuals), Psychometrics, Social Theories, Epistemology, Animals, Self Efficacy, Expectation, Reliability, Factor Analysis, Correlation, Health Behavior, Surveys, Statistical Distributions, Statistical Analysis, Predictor Variables, Validity, Likert Scales, Adults
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Indiana
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A