Factorial Validity and Internal Consistency of The Sports Imagery Ability Questionnaire (SIAQ) Malaysian Version

Background. Imagery ability is one of the most potent factors influencing imagery effectiveness. Therefore, prior to imagery training, it is important to assess the participant’s imagery ability, typically using a self-report questionnaire. Objectives. This study examined the factorial validity and internal consistency of the Malaysian adapted SIAQ using confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha. Methods. The questionnaire was administered online to 193 participants (101 men and 92 women) with a mean age of 22.06 ± 3.72. The data were normalized, and four models were tested (model 1: data with square root transformation for values above the threshold; model 2: data with logarithm transformation for values above the threshold; model 3: data with values above threshold were logarithm transformed and values that were almost reaching the threshold (Item_4 and Item_12) were transformed by square root; and model 4: data with values above and reaching the threshold were logarithm transformed). Results. The result of factorial analysis for model 2 revealed a good model fit (X^2=184.76, df=80, p<0.00, X^2/df=2.31, CFI=0.94, TLI=0.92, SRMR=0.05, and RMSEA=0.08) for the five-factor model structure implicating a good factorial validity. Furthermore, all path loadings exceeding 0.50 indicated good convergent validity of the subscales. Moreover, alpha coefficients range from 0.77 to 0.85 (0.85 for skill, 0.77 for strategy, 0.84 for goal, 0.77 for affect, and 0.78 for mastery). Conclusion. It is concluded that SIAQ-M possesses acceptable factorial validity and internal consistency and can measure imagery ability among Malaysian athletes.