Antecedents and Consequences of Achievement Goal Change in College Students

• In Event: Poster Session 12
  In Poster Session: Motivation in Education SIG: Poster Session 2 of 2

Abstract

Much research has examined achievement goals as predictors of college GPA. Less research has examined how achievement goals change over time, and how this influences academic outcomes. In two studies, undergraduate students (N=1493 and N=2260) reported their achievement goals for their classes as entering freshmen and again midway through sophomore year. After controlling for SAT scores, change in achievement goals from freshman to sophomore year contributed unique variance when predicting sophomore GPA. In addition, achievement goal change was predicted by students’ initial academic ability, individual differences in personality, social belonging, and academic experiences. This study demonstrates that goal revision, in addition to initial goal commitment, influences academic outcomes, and thus should be considered when conceptualizing achievement goals.

Authors

• Chris S. Hulleman, University of Virginia

• Makayla Grays, James Madison University