Document Type : Research Paper

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Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate validity and reliability the test of performance strategies (TOPS) in the Iranian adult athletes. The test of performance strategies (TOPS) is a capable test appraising the most important psychological factors in exercise and competition. This test for the first time was designed by Thomas and colleagues (1999) to estimate the most important psychological factors including competition and practice. This test was constructed based on the scientific research and results that were obtained from the current psychological questionnaires. TOPS were gradually reviewed and changed in different years and different points of the world. In the current study was used the latest test version including 8 and 9 factors for practice and competition respectively. In the present study 259 subjects that they had been selected from the Iranian adult athletes, have completed this questionnaire. These athletes (Mean age: 25/32 years old) were male and female athletes of varying ability levels (7 levels) from 19 different sports. The confirmatory factor analysis and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha method) were used to compute the TOPS's confirmatory factorial validity and reliability, respectively. Based on the confirmatory factor analysis, the validity of the TOPS was justified (17 factors that include 66 statements). Reliability of competition (0/73) and reliability of practice (0/74) were obtained from the extracted factors (8 factors related to exercise and 9 factors were related to the competition). So, TOPS can be used for appraising the most important psychological factors in Iranian adult athletes.
 

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