Developmental Patterns of Achievement Goals During Adolescence: A Growth-Curve Analysis

• In Event: Factors That Influence Gifted Learners' Achievement

Abstract

The developmental trajectories of achievement goals orientations from eighth grade to eleventh grade were examined using growth-curve modeling. The Korean Educational Longitudinal Study 2005 VI, a longitudinally followed-up dataset of 5,122 junior high school students, was used for analyses. Unlike findings from previous research, mastery goals and performance-approach goals had an S-shaped curve until grade 10 and strikingly decreased after grade 10. Performance-avoidance goals persistently increased across the observed waves. Significantly different developmental patterns were found between high achievers and non-high achievers. High achievers had higher levels of mastery goals and performance-approach goals and less fluctuating patterns than non-high achievers. Findings suggest that the pressure for high achievement might negatively influence the development of achievement goal orientations.

Authors

• Soohyun Yi, Purdue University

• Nielsen Pereira, Purdue University