Study of the Model of 4 Dimensions Goal Orientation

Author: Biing-Lin Cherng(Institute Education, National Cheng Kung University)

Vol.&No.：Vol. 48, No. 1
Date：April 2003
Pages：15-40
DOI：10.3966/2073753X2003044801002

Abstract：

In the current study of achievement goal theory a 4-goal model has been proposed in terms of an approach/avoidance focus and master/performance orientation: approach-mastery, avoidance-mastery, approach-performance, and avoidance-performance. This study is an attempt to test a confirmatory factor analysis model of this 4-dimensional goal orientation theory by using structural equation modeling (SEM). Furthermore, the relationship between these goals and junior high school students' learning achievement, approach and avoidance behaviors was tested. The subjects were 610 students from 9 junior high schools. The theoretical model fitted the observed data well; thus this study supported the recent results of research on achievement goal theory. The approach-mastery goal positively predicted learning performance and approach behaviors and negatively predicted avoidance behaviors; conversely, the avoidance-performance goal negatively predicted learning performance and approach behaviors and positively predicted avoidance behaviors. The approach-performance goal positively predicted learning performance and approach behaviors but could not predict avoidance behaviors. The pattern for avoidance-mastery goals was, as hypothesized, more negative than that for approach-mastery goals and more positive than that for avoidance-performance goals. In the conclusion the implications for theory and research are discussed.

Keywords：achievement goals, goal orientations, approach behaviors, avoidance behaviors

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