The Theory of Planned Behavior: Predicting Teachers' Intentions and Behavior During Fitness Testing

The twofold purpose of this study was to develop and validate an instrument that assessed teachers' intentions, attitudes, subjective norm, and perceived behavior control to administer fitness tests effectively, and to determine how well the instrument could predict teachers' intentions and actual behavior based on Ajzen's (1985, 1991) theory of planned behavior. In the development phase of the study, 104 physical educators completed the pilot version of the survey to refine the instrument. In the prediction of behavior phase of the study, a convenience sample of 195 physical educators completed (a) the Teachers' Intentions to Administer Physical Fitness Tests Effectively (TIAPFTE) before fitness testing and (b) a behavior self-report after they administered fitness testing. Standard multiple regression analyses showed perceived behavioral control and attitude significantly predicted intention. Furthermore, results showed that attitude significantly predicted teachers' behavior directly.