The Patterns of Adaptive Learning Survey: A Comparison across Grade Levels

Abstract

The Patterns of Adaptive Learning Survey (PALS) was developed to assess a trichotomous achievement goal structure, which included the following subscales: Task Goal Orientation, Performance-Approach Goal Orientation, and Performance-Avoid Goal Orientation. The use of the PALS in making inferences about these goal orientations was originally validated with a middle school sample of students. In this study, the authors computed Cronbach’s alphas and employed confirmatory factor analytic procedures to provide statistical evidence of the reliability and validity of inferences based on scores from the PALS at the fourth-grade and college levels.