The validation of the Golf Test of Attentional Style

One hundred subjects from three golf courses completed the Test of Attentional Style (TAS) and the Golf Test of Attentional Style (Golf-TAS). Test scores were then factor analyzed to determine whether the factor structure of the TAS and the Golf-TAS would replicate the factor structure of a general measure, the Test of Attentional and Interpersonal Style, which has been found to measure an individual's attentional style. Results indicated that the factor structure was not replicated. As a result of the factor analysis a new factor structure of the TAS and Golf-TAS was presented. This study also tested the convergent validity of the Golf-TAS. Results indicated that there was adequate convergent validity between the Golf-TAS and the TAS. Test scores were further analyzed to determine whether there was a relationship between subjects' test score and their level of ability in golf as defined by their established handicap. Results indicated that there were significant relationships between several subscales of the two instruments and subjects' handicap in golf. A multiple regression analysis was then performed to determine the unique predictive ability of the Golf-TAS to determine subjects' handicaps as compared to the general measure, TAS. Nonsignificant results were found with this analysis.

The present study also explored differences in attentional style between men and women. The analyses of variance suggested that there were two significant differences between men and women. Recommendations for future research include the use of a larger sample size, the inclusion of all test items of the general measure, and the continued research of the construct of attention in relation to behavioral research.