General versus specific achievement goals: A re-examination

作者:Sparfeldt, Joern R*; Brunnemann, Nicole; Wirthwein, Linda; Buch, Susanne R; Schult, Johannes; Rost, Detlef H
来源:Learning and Individual Differences, 2015, 43: 170-177.
DOI:10.1016/j.lindif.2015.08.022

摘要

Previous studies revealed inconsistent results regarding the relative importance of specific and general achievement goals (mastery goals, performance-approach goals, performance-avoidance goals, work-avoidance goals) in predicting specific and general scholastic outcomes (interests, importance, grades). Therefore, high-school students (N = 1210; grades 7-10) answered a questionnaire assessing these variables on a general academic and school-subject-specific (six school subjects) level. The findings showed (mostly) stronger relationships when achievement goals and scholastic outcomes matched the specificity level than when the variables were mismatched. Regarding achievement goals, mastery goals were the best predictors. The results evidenced the relevance of matching the specificity level of achievement goals and scholastic outcomes.