Achievement Goals

Abstract

This chapter describes the achievement goal construct’s origins and highlights noteworthy developments in the literature. Specifically it describes how the original dichotomous model of achievement goals developed into the modern trichotomous, 2 × 2, and 3 × 2 models of achievement goals. This historical overview is then used to provide the context for the key theoretical and conceptual issues surrounding the current achievement goal approach and a discussion of how these issues have an impact on empirical studies on achievement goals, especially focusing on the measurement of achievement goals. Finally, the text highlights several emerging lines of research in the literature. This includes achievement goal complexes, expansion of the competence-based model of achievement goals (e.g., potential-based achievement goals), and possible methodological improvement in assessing achievement goals.