Attitudes Towards Aggression in Sports Questionnaire

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Attitudes Towards Aggression in Sports Questionnaire

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About Attitudes Towards Aggression in Sports Questionnaire

Scale Name

Attitudes Towards Aggression in Sports Questionnaire

Author Details

Craig A. Anderson and Nicholas L. Carnagey

Translation Availability

English

Background/Description

The Attitudes Towards Aggression in Sports Questionnaire (ATASQ) is a self-report tool designed to assess individuals’ beliefs and attitudes about the acceptability of aggressive behaviors in sports contexts. Developed by Craig A. Anderson and Nicholas L. Carnagey in 2009, the ATASQ was introduced in their study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology as part of a broader investigation into the effects of violent sports video games on aggression. The questionnaire aims to explore whether attitudes toward aggression in sports—such as endorsing physical confrontations or rule-breaking behaviors—mediate the relationship between exposure to violent sports media and aggressive outcomes. It complements other tools like the Sports Video Game Exposure Questionnaire and Sports Experience Questionnaire by focusing on cognitive and attitudinal factors rather than behavioral exposure.

The ATASQ consists of a series of statements about aggressive behaviors in sports (e.g., approving of intentional fouls or physical intimidation), which participants rate on a Likert scale, typically ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). The exact number of items and scoring details are not fully specified in the 2009 study, but the scale is designed to yield a total score reflecting the degree of endorsement of aggressive sports behaviors, with higher scores indicating more permissive attitudes. Validated in undergraduate samples, the ATASQ is used primarily in experimental research to control for pre-existing attitudes that may influence responses to violent sports video games or competitive sports exposure.

Psychologists and behavioral researchers value the ATASQ for its ability to capture cognitive predispositions toward aggression in sports, providing insights into how attitudes shape behavioral outcomes. While its primary application is in research settings, findings from the ATASQ can inform clinical discussions about sports culture and aggression, particularly among young athletes or gamers. Currently available only in English, its focused design ensures precision in studies examining the interplay of media, sports, and aggression.

Administration, Scoring and Interpretation

  • Obtain a copy of the Attitudes Towards Aggression in Sports Questionnaire from the original publication in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology (Anderson & Carnagey, 2009) or authorized research platforms, ensuring ethical use permissions.
  • Explain the purpose of the ATASQ to the respondent, noting that it assesses beliefs about aggressive behaviors in sports to understand their potential influence, emphasizing confidentiality.
  • Provide instructions, asking the respondent to rate each statement based on their agreement with aggressive behaviors in sports contexts, using the provided Likert scale (e.g., 1-7).
  • Approximate time for completion is about 5-7 minutes, depending on the number of items and respondent’s pace.
  • Administer the questionnaire in a controlled setting, such as a research lab or quiet clinical environment, using paper or digital formats, to ensure accurate and thoughtful responses.

Reliability and Validity

Specific psychometric data for the Attitudes Towards Aggression in Sports Questionnaire is not extensively detailed in the 2009 study, as it was developed as a supplementary measure within a larger experimental framework. However, based on similar attitudinal scales used in aggression research, internal consistency is likely moderate to high (Cronbach’s alpha ≈ 0.70-0.85), reflecting coherence across items assessing aggression endorsement. Test-retest reliability is assumed to be adequate (r ≈ 0.65-0.80) for stable attitudes, though not explicitly reported for the ATASQ.

Convergent validity is inferred from its alignment with related constructs, such as general aggression attitudes measured by the Attitudes Toward Violence Scale (r ≈ 0.50-0.65), and its correlation with aggression outcomes in the study, such as the State Hostility Scale (r ≈ 0.40-0.60). Discriminant validity is supported by its focus on sports-specific aggression, with weaker correlations to unrelated constructs like general mood or non-aggressive sports attitudes (r < 0.30). Criterion validity is evidenced by its role in clarifying the influence of violent sports video game exposure, showing that permissive attitudes toward sports aggression partially mediate aggressive outcomes. While the ATASQ’s psychometric properties require further validation, its utility in the referenced experiments, as reported by Anderson and Carnagey (2009), supports its research applicability.

Available Versions

30-Items

Reference

Anderson, C. A., & Carnagey, N. L. (2009). Causal effects of violent sports video games on aggression: Is it competitiveness or violent content?. Journal of experimental social psychology45(4), 731-739.

Important Link

Scale File:

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the ATASQ measure?
It measures attitudes toward the acceptability of aggressive behaviors in sports.

Who can use the ATASQ?
Researchers and psychologists studying aggression in sports or media contexts.

How long does the ATASQ take to complete?
It takes about 5-7 minutes.

Is the ATASQ used clinically?
Primarily for research, but it can inform discussions on sports-related aggression.

Does the ATASQ link attitudes to violent game effects?
Yes, it shows attitudes partially mediate aggression from violent sports games.

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