The Test of Gross Motor Development—Third Edition: A Bifactor Model, Dimensionality, and Measurement Invariance

Abstract

Aim: To examine the latent structure of the Test of Gross Motor Development—Third Edition (TGMD-3) with a bifactor modeling approach. In addition, the study examines the dimensionality and model-based reliability of general and specific contributions of the test’s subscales and measurement invariance of the TGMD-3. Methods: A convenience sample of (N = 496; Mage = 7.23 ± 2.03 years; 53.8% female) typically developed children participated in this study. Three alternative measurement models were tested: (a) a unidimensional model, (b) a correlated two-factor model, and (c) a bifactor model. Results: The totality of results, including item loadings, goodness-of-fit indexes, and reliability estimates, all supported the bifactor model and strong evidence of a general factor, namely gross motor competence. Additionally, the reliability of subscale scores was poor, and it is thus contended that scoring, reporting, and interpreting of the subscales scores are probably not justifiable. Conclusions: This study shows the advantages of using bifactor approach to examine the TGMD-3 factor structure and suggests that the two traditionally hypothesized factors are better understood as “grouping” factors rather than as representative of latent constructs. In addition, our findings demonstrate that the bifactor model appears invariant for sex.

The Körperkoordinations Test Für Kinder for Iranian Youth: Factor Structure, Measurement Invariance, and Covariates

“…We found that the KTK can be considered an appropriate instrument to simultaneously evaluate and compare MC across sex and age groups. Our findings are similar to Garn and Webster (2018) and Salami et al (2021) who found measurement invariance for sex using the TGMD-2 and the TGMD-3, respectively, providing (partial) agreement with the current study findings. In contrast to this study, a Brazilian study (Moreira et al, 2019) found noninvariance for the factor loadings, item intercepts, and residual variances across sex and age groups, so a stable relationship between the KTK structure and test score was not determined.…”

“…One study on the TGMD-2 (Garn & Webster, 2018) showed measurement invariance for sex but not for age. Similarly, another study of the TGMD-3 (Salami et al, 2021) also found measurement invariance for sex. We hypothesized the KTK will be measurement invariant for sex and age groups.…”

Sex differences in 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children's motor competence: A pooled cross‐sectional analysis of 6241 children

“…All collaborators who participated in the project had experience in motor development research and significant experience in using, analyzing, and interpreting motor skill assessments like the TGMD. Evidence of TGMD assessment reliability was previously presented in the primary original studies from six countries (Spain, Italy, Brazil, Australia, Iran, and USA) 25–34 …”

Memorial Para Promoção Docente Ao Cargo De Professor Titular Da Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais, Brazil

“…Tenho mantido uma parceria com professores da Educação Física da UFMG e de universidades do exterior. Nessa parceria tenho realizado uma extensão técnica em psicometria, principalmente relacionada à investigação da validade de instrumentos de medida (Costa, 2012;Reis, 2021;Salami, 2021).…”