Elliot A, Murayama K, Kobeisy A, Lichtenfeld S. Potential-based achievement goals.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2014;
85:192-206. [PMID:
24976065 DOI:
10.1111/bjep.12051]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Self-based achievement goals use one's own intrapersonal trajectory as a standard of evaluation, and this intrapersonal trajectory may be grounded in one's past (past-based goals) or one's future potential (potential-based goals). Potential-based goals have been overlooked in the literature to date.
AIMS
The primary aim of the present research was to address this oversight within the context of the 3 × 2 achievement goal framework.
SAMPLES
The Study 1 sample was 381 US undergraduates; the Study 2 sample was 310 US undergraduates.
METHODS
In Study 1, we developed scales to assess potential-approach and potential-avoidance goals and tested their factorial validity with exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. In Study 2, we used confirmatory factor analysis to test both the separability of past-based and potential-based goals and their higher order integration within the self-based category.
RESULTS
Study 1 supported the factorial validity of the potential-approach and potential-avoidance goal scales. Study 2 supported the separability of past-based and potential-based goals, as well as their higher order integration within the self-based category.
CONCLUSIONS
This research documents the utility of the proposed distinction and paves the way for subsequent work on antecedent and consequences of potential-approach and potential-avoidance goals. It highlights the importance of focusing on distinct types of growth-based goals in the achievement goal literature.
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