In 2001, Elliot and McGregor proposed a 2 x 2 (mastery-performance x approach- avoidance) achievement goal frameworks and developed a questionnaire to measure four goals (mastery-approach, mastery-avoidance, performance-approach, and performance-avoidance goals). This study examines the dual meanings of items in 2 x 2 achievement goal…

Bilevel dimensionality of probability was examined via factor analysis, Rasch latent trait analysis, and classical item analysis. Results suggest that when nonstandardized measures are the criteria for achievement, relying solely on estimates of content validity may lead to erroneous interpretation of test score data. (JKS)

Hermans' and Mehrabian's tests of achievement motivation were correlated with the achievement via conformance and achievement via independence scales of the California Psychological Inventory. The Mehrabian test was associated only with the achievement via conformance scale, but Hermans' measure was rather strongly related to both scales.…

Results of the validity study indicate a moderate to high degree of correlation between each subscale and course examination scores for female black undergraduates but an absence of such for black male undergraduates. (Author/DEP)

Studied the construct validity of the dimensions of the Multidimensional-Multiattributional Causality Scale based on B. Wiener's attribution model (1979) in achievement and affiliation goal domains. Results for 172 New Zealand college students provide evidence that the measure is better used as a goal specific measure than a general measure. (SLD)

Studied three measures of task and ego achievement goal orientations in terms of factorial and construct validity, internal consistency reliability, and distributional characteristics. Results for 393 undergraduates suggest that the Patterns of Adaptive Learning Survey scales fared better than the other 2 in terms of distributional…

Analyzed a Parental Values scale, in which students ranked items in terms of how important the items were to their parents, using a latent class ranking model. Results from 294 sixth and seventh graders show that the scale goes part way toward distinguishing parents who valued achievement, especially academic achievement, from those who valued…

The long-range predictive and differential validities of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) are investigated. Data from students (n=1284) who entered Jefferson Medical College from 1965 through 1974 were analyzed and supported the convergent and divergent validities of the SAT over an extended period of time. (Author/PN)

This study examined the relationships of the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 measures of locus of control and self-esteem to differential goal attainment in education, work, marriage, and fertility. The results raise questions about the validity of the measures, their underlying theories, or both. (Author/BW)

Describes the development of the Career Success Expectations Scale and its application to two different significant career transitions. Two samples (161 managers and 103 managers obtaining a graduate degree) were used in exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and the three-factor structure from the exploratory analysis was confirmed with…

A graduate survey (n=575) of alumni vocational achievement, acceptance of responsibility in social groups, and further intellectual development was related to undergraduate grades. The only significant finding was an inverse relationship with involvement in community activities among males. (Author/PN)

No significant differences in performance on a self-adapted test or anxiety were found for college students (n=218) taking a self-adapted test who selected item difficulty without any prior information, inspected an item before selecting, or answered a typical item and received performance feedback. (SLD)