Achievement Goals Predict Not Only Levels of Intrinsic Motivation but Also Its Stability

• In Event: 44.060 - Achievement Goal Theory: Continuing the Conversation

Abstract

Previous research on students’ intrinsic motivation has mainly focused on levels of intrinsic motivation, while stability of intrinsic motivation has been largely neglected. Given the importance of persistent motivation for learning-related outcomes, we examined how achievement goals are differently related to levels and stability of daily intrinsic motivation over two weeks. Using both variable- and person-centered analyses, as well as three different achievement goal frameworks, we found consistent results that undergraduates’ mastery (or learning) goals positively predicted levels of intrinsic motivation while performance-approach (or normative) goals negatively predicted stability of intrinsic motivation over two weeks. The findings suggest that for both high and stable intrinsic motivation, students need to set mastery goals rather than performance goals.

Authors

• Eunjin Seo, Texas State University

• You-kyung Lee, Sookmyung Women's University

• Erika Alisha Patall, University of Southern California