A 3 × 2 achievement goal model.

TLDR

The 3×2 achievement goal model is grounded in competence definition and valence, comprising six constructs: task‑approach, task‑avoidance, self‑approach, self‑avoidance, other‑approach, and other‑avoidance. The study proposes and tests a 3×2 model of achievement goals. The authors discuss terminological, conceptual, and applied issues related to the 3×2 model. Two studies strongly supported the 3×2 model, confirming its structure and demonstrating distinct task‑based and self‑based goals, with Study 2 also identifying each goal’s antecedents and consequences.

Abstract

In the present research, a 3 × 2 model of achievement goals is proposed and tested. The model is rooted in the definition and valence components of competence, and encompasses 6 goal constructs: task-approach, task-avoidance, self-approach, self-avoidance, other-approach, and other-avoidance. The results from 2 studies provided strong support for the proposed model, most notably the need to separate task-based and self-based goals. Studies 1 and 2 yielded data establishing the 3 × 2 structure of achievement goals, and Study 2 documented the antecedents and consequences of each of the goals in the 3 × 2 model. Terminological, conceptual, and applied issues pertaining to the 3 × 2 model are discussed