Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Conceptions of Perceived Ability Scale in a sport context

The main aim was to carry out a preliminary study of psychometric properties of the version translated into Spanish and adapted to training and competition carried out by Santos-Rosa (2003) of the Conceptions of Perceived Ability scale, carried out by Nicholls, Patasshnick and Nolen (1985). Perceived Ability is a factor that has been related to motivation within the perspective of the Achievement Goals Theory and the Self-Determination Theory. The sample was formed by 250 soccer players, ranging in age from 14 to 16 years old (M=15.52; SD=.501). Exploratory factorial analysis (KMO=.707; ?(2)=306.195; gl=6; p<.01) and the internal consistency analysis (a=.793) showed results that evidenced the preliminary validity and reliability of this scale. Preliminarily, the version translated into Spanish and adapted turns out to be a valid instrument for coaches and sport psychologists, who might use this scale to measure the perceived ability, both self-referential and compared, that their athletes have in training and competitions.