Causal Attribution Scale for Elementary and Middle School: Convergent validity evidence study with achievement goals

Abstract

The assessment of intrapersonal causal attributions through instruments with adequate psychometric parameters is a resource to know the motivation to learn of elementary school students. In this study, we investigated the convergent validity evidence for the Causal Attributions Evaluation Scale for Elementary and Middle School Students (Escala de Avaliacao das Atribuicoes de Causalidade para Alunos do Ensino Fundamental [EAVAT-EF]), and we verified part of the self-regulation’s cyclic model process. We used the EAVAT-EF and the Learning Motivation Assessment Scale (Escala de Avaliacao da Motivacao para a Aprendizagem [EMAPRE-EF]) that assesses achievement goals. The study sample consisted of 935 students from Brazilian public schools (3rd to 9th grades). Pearson’s moment-product indices indicated statistically significant correlations between the EAVAT-EF and EMAPRE-EF factors. Structural equation modeling indicated that EAVAT-EF predicted EMAPRE-EF factors (48%, learning goal; 14% performance-approach goal; 37%, performance-avoidance goal). The convergent validity evidence obtained for EAVAT-EF will contribute to psychology and education professionals to use it to assess students’ causal attributions. The verification of part of the functioning of the cyclical process of self-regulated learning presupposes advances for the knowledge of this model in Brazil.