Description

The Motives for Physical Activity Measure (MPAM) is a psychometric tool used to assess the reasons and motivations that drive individuals to engage in physical activity. The MPAM examines various dimensions of motivation, such as enjoyment, physical fitness, appearance, social interaction, and competitiveness.

Objective

The main objective of the MPAM is to understand and evaluate the different reasons that motivate individuals to participate in physical activity. Specifically, the MPAM aims to:
Assessment of Enjoyment: Measure the level of enjoyment and pleasure individuals experience during physical activity.
Assessment of Physical Fitness: Evaluate the reasons related to the improvement of physical fitness and health.
Assessment of Appearance: Examine the motivations related to the improvement of physical appearance and body image.
Assessment of Social Interaction: Measure the reasons related to social contact and interaction with others during physical activity.
Assessment of Competitiveness: Evaluate the motivations related to competitiveness and goal achievement.

Analysis

The analysis of MPAM data includes:
Descriptive Statistics: Calculation of means, standard deviations, and frequencies of responses.
Comparative Analysis: Comparison of motives for physical activity across different population groups, such as age groups, gender, and fitness levels.
Correlational Analysis: Examination of the relationships between motives for physical activity and other factors, such as overall physical fitness and psychological well-being.
Factor Analysis: Identification of the underlying factors that explain the responses to the questionnaire items.

Calibration

The calibration of the MPAM includes:
Scale Development: Creation of a response scale for each item (e.g., from 1 to 7, where 1 = Not at all and 7 = Very much).
Reliability and Validity: Examination of the reliability (e.g., Cronbach’s alpha) and validity of the questionnaire through statistical tests and pilot studies.
Adaptation and Revision: Adjustment of the items based on user feedback and revision of the questionnaire to improve accuracy and relevance.

References

Frederick, C. M., & Ryan, R. M. (1993). “Differences in motivation for sport and exercise and their relations with participation and mental health.” Journal of Sport Behavior, 16(3), 124–146.
Ryan, R. M., Frederick, C. M., Lepes, D., Rubio, N., & Sheldon, K. M. (1997). “Intrinsic motivation and exercise adherence.” International Journal of Sport Psychology, 28, 335–354.
Markland, D., & Ingledew, D. K. (1997). “The measurement of exercise motives: Factorial validity and invariance across gender of a revised Exercise Motivations Inventory.” British Journal of Health Psychology, 2(4), 361–376.