Development and Validation of a Two-component Perceived Control Measure

Background Research indicates that perceived behavioral control (PBC) is an important determinant of behavior and that it is composed of perceived capability and opportunity. However, typical measurement of these constructs may be confounded with motivation and outcome expectations. Vignettes presented before questionnaire items may clarify construct meaning leading to precise measurement. Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop and validate measures of perceived capability and opportunity that parse these constructs from the influence of motivation and outcome expectations using vignettes. Methods Study 1 collected feedback from experts (N = 9) about the initial measure. Study 2a explored internal consistency reliability and construct and discriminant validity of the revised measure using two independent samples (N = 683 and N = 727). Finally, using a prospective design, Study 2b (N = 1,410) investigated test-retest reliability, construct and discriminant validity at Time 2, and nomological validity. Results After Study 1, the revised measure was tested in Studies 2a and 2b. Overall, the evidence suggests that the measure is optimal with four items for perceived capability and three for the perceived opportunity. The measure demonstrated strong internal consistency ( > 0.90) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs] > .78). The measure also showed construct and discriminant validity by differentiating itself from behavioral intentions (i.e., motivation) and affective attitude (based on expected outcomes) (SRMR = 0.03; RMSEA = 0.06). It also demonstrated evidence of nomological validity as behavior 2 weeks later was predicted. Conclusions We recommend researchers use this tool in future correlational and intervention studies to parse motivation and outcome expectations from perceived capability and opportunity measurement.