In the current study pregame speech is defined as communication used by coaches prior to competition that can be characterized by four factors: one general factor (pregame speech) and three grouping factors (tactical content, emotional content, and delivery). The Coach Precompetitive Communication Questionnaire-Helpfulness (CPCQ-H) was developed to assess the extent to which collegiate athletes find the four factors of pregame speech helpful . The purpose of this study was to investigate initial evidence of validity for the responses to the CPCQ-H under an exploratory bifactor approach specifically to explore the existence of one general factor and three grouping factors measured by CPCQ-H items. Participants were 269 NCAA student-athletes involved in interactive team sports who were asked to complete a cross-sectional survey. The survey included a demographic questionnaire and the CPCQ-H. Results of an exploratory bifactor analysis found evidence to support the retention of a four-factor model, with a general factor of pregame speech and three grouping factors . Observed responses indicated meaningful factor loadings (e.g., λ ≥ .30, p < .05), providing evidence for the validity of CPCQ-H responses. The findings of this study contribute to the psychometric and practical understanding of pregame speech.
Zimmerman et al. (Fri,) studied this question.