Validation of the Expectancy-Value Questionnaire in Sport among Chinese High School Campus Football Players

Authors

  • Chuantong Jiang

    Faculty of Physical Education and Health, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing 526061, China

  • Zhicai Qiu

    Faculty of Physical Education and Health, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing 526061, China

  • Qingkun Feng

    Faculty of Physical Education and Health, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing 526061, China

  • Peng Zhao

    Faculty of Sports Science and Coaching, Sultan Idris Education University, Tanjong Malim 35900, Malaysia

  • Zeng Gao

    School of Marxism, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China

    Physical Education Department, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jiep.v8i2.12190
Received: 26 July 2025 | Revised: 12 September 2025 | Accepted: 20 September 2025 | Published Online: 27 September 2025

Abstract

Guided by the Expectancy-Value Theory (EVT), this study aimed to test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Expectancy-Value Questionnaire (EVQ) among Chinese high school campus football players. A proportionate stratified random sampling method was adopted, and a total of 385 high school campus football players were selected as the sample (228 boys and 157 girls; Mage = 16.07 years; SD = 1.15; age range = 14–19 years). Using SPSS 25 and Amos 24 software, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted with the maximum likelihood estimation method. The results showed that the four constructs (i.e., expectancy beliefs, attainment value, intrinsic value, and utility value) had a good fit with the sample data, and all indicators met the requirements of convergent validity. Moreover, expectancy beliefs and subjective task values exhibited good discriminant validity, while the three sub-dimensions of task values (i.e., attainment value, intrinsic value, and utility value) lacked discriminant validity. Furthermore, the second-order model with task values as a higher-order factor demonstrated an excellent fit, supporting its use in measuring subjective task values in campus football scenarios. This study provides a valid and reliable Chinese version of the EVQ for this population, enriches the cross-cultural empirical evidence for EVT, and offers practical implications for improving the motivation of campus football players. Future studies can be improved by expanding the sample (e.g., covering diverse ages and regions) and adopting a longitudinal design to enhance the generalizability of conclusion.

Keywords:

Expectancy-Value Questionnaire; Expectancy Beliefs; Subjective Task Values; Confirmatory Factor Analysis; Football Players

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How to Cite

Jiang, C., Qiu, Z., Feng, Q., Zhao, P., & Gao, Z. (2025). Validation of the Expectancy-Value Questionnaire in Sport among Chinese High School Campus Football Players. Journal of International Education and Practice, 8(2), 50–61. https://doi.org/10.30564/jiep.v8i2.12190