M. C. RUIZ, A. P. WATT
differences were found for mean scores for the cognitive gen-
eral imagery function (Table 1). Higher mean values for the
cognitive general imagery subscale were also observed when
comparing the Spanish sample and previous studies that used
English versions (Gregg, Hall, & Nederhof, 2005; Hall et al.,
2009). This finding suggests a possible cultural or conceptual
difference in the response behaviors to certain imagery use
questions (particularly those related to feeling confident or
mentally tough).
Spanish data (i.e., item 3 in particular) had a negative skew
indicating a bias toward high scores of imagery ability. How-
ever, these patterns are in line with those found in previous
studies (Gregg et al., 2011). Reliability scores of the Spanish
version ( > 0.80) were higher than those drawn from the Fin-
nish study for all subscales indicating acceptable levels of in-
ternal consistency. The inter-subscale correlations were in the
moderate to strong range, which is the typical pattern reported
in previous research (Gregg & Hall, 2006; Nordin & Cumming,
2008). Overall, these findings provide support for the use and
continued development of the Spanish version.
Limitations of this exploratory study are related to the small
sample size. Thus, future research should now assess other
estimates of reliabilities and the factor structure of the Spanish
version of the SIQ using a larger sample of athletes. In addition,
this study examined imagery use characteristics in athletes from
only two sports. Further research investigating imagery use
functions across different types of sport (i.e., team vs. individ-
ual) as well as different situations (i.e., practice vs. competition)
and levels of experience (i.e., elite vs. novice) is also warranted.
Additional examination of the reliability and factor structure of
the Spanish SIQ are necessary to further validate this version of
the measure.
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