On the nature and function of scoring protocols used in exercise motivation research: An empirical study of the behavioral regulation in exercise questionnaire

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different scoring protocols used with instruments designed to assess motivation in line with Organismic Integration Theory (OIT; Deci & Ryan, 2002). Design: This study used non-probability based sampling within a cross-sectional (survey) design. Methods: Participants across four samples (N's ranged from 236 to 1200) completed either (a) the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ), (b) the BREQ-2, or (c) the BREQ-2R in conjunction with a self-report assessment of physical activity behavior. Results: Participants endorsed more self-determined than controlled motives for physical activity. Identified regulation was the dominant correlate of more frequent physical activity behavior. The link between external regulation and physical activity was consistently weak. Multiple regression analyses revealed identified regulation was the strongest predictor of physical activity compared with other motives. Regression models using omnibus scoring protocols accounted for less variance in physical activity behavior in contrast to an item-aggregation scoring protocol. Conclusions: Identified regulation may be a key source of physical activity motivation in adults. The scoring protocol used with OIT-based instruments represents an important consideration for advancing physical activity research.