Validation of the psychometric properties of the Group Conflict Questionnaire

Conflict is “a dynamic process that occurs between interdependent parties as they experience negative emotional reactions to perceived disagreements and interference with the attainment of their goals” (Barki & Hartwick, 2004, p. 234). Recently, the Group Conflict Questionnaire (GCQ; Paradis, Carron, & Martin, 2014) was developed to assess conflict in sport teams. The GCQ consists of 14 items that measure two dimensions: task and social conflict. Although initial reliability (task conflict, a = .92; social conflict, a = .92) and validity (CFI = .946, RMSEA = .086, SRMR = .042) for the GCQ are promising, validity testing is an ongoing process (Carron et al., 1985) and cross validation with other samples should be performed whenever possible (Tabachnick & Fidell, 2013). Thus, the purpose of the present study was to assess the convergent, discriminant, known-group difference, and factorial validity of the GCQ. Athletes (N = 305) completed the GCQ along with the Group Environment Questionnaire (Carron et al., 1985), the Passion Scale (Vallerand et al., 2003), and the Athlete Satisfaction Questionnaire (Riemer & Chelladurai, 1998). Evidence of reliability was supported for both task conflict (a = .90) and social conflict (a = .92). In terms of validity, results yielded evidence of convergent validity with significant inverse relationships between conflict and cohesion, and conflict and satisfaction. Partial support was found for discriminant validity with a significant inverse relationship between conflict and harmonious passion, however no significant relationship was found between conflict and obsessive passion. Support for known-group difference validity was demonstrated through a significant differentiation in perceptions of conflict between sport type (i.e., individual vs. team) and team tenure (i.e., = 1 year vs. = 2 years). Finally, the factorial validity of the GCQ was supported through adequate fit indices via Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFI = .903, RMSEA = .109, SRMR = .060). Implications for the measurement of conflict in sport are discussed.