Content Validity Assessment as a Fundamental Step in the Development and Validation of Questionnaires in Sport Science

Abstract

The article discusses content validity assessment as a key and fundamental step in the process of developing and validating questionnaire instruments. Since research in sports science often deals with complex latent constructs (e.g., sports motivation or mental toughness), the quality of the obtained data directly depends on the precision of the measuring instrument. The aim of the article is to provide an overview of the procedures used in the quantification of content validity, focusing on a detailed description of the calculation and interpretation of the Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) indicators. The practical application of theoretical procedures is demonstrated through a model example of developing a questionnaire focused on the mental readiness of athletes, illustrating the process of modifying and excluding irrelevant items based on expert assessment. The article concludes with a recommended multi-step procedure that serves as a practical tool for researchers to ensure the quality of newly developed questionnaires.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24040/sjss.2026.11.1.65-73