| The criterion validity of the Perceived Ability Scale for Sports was examined in this study by comparing perceived ability scores across three levels of competition in baseball. Forty-one high school, 30 college, and 36 Major League Baseball players participated in the study. All participants completed the Perceived Ability Scale for Sports along with a demographic questionnaire. The results show a significant difference in perceived ability across levels of competition, F(2, 103) = 5.46, p < .01. However, post hoc analysis revealed that the high school players scored significantly lower on perceived ability than the college and professional players but that there was no difference between college and professional players. Results are discussed in terms of skill development, social comparison, and learned optimism. |
