Achievement goals among Chinese college students: Longitudinal measurement invariance and latent growth analysis

This study tested the longitudinal measurement invariance of Elliot and McGregor's (2001) achievement goal scale that adopted the standard 2 x 2 achievement goal model, and examined the growth trajectories of emerging adults' achievement goals over time. We followed a sample of 311 Chinese college students over a 3-year period. Results revealed that the achievement goal scale demonstrated longitudinal measurement invariance. Results from latent growth modelling showed an overall decline over time in three types of achievement goals (mastery approach and mastery avoidance goals showed linear decreases; performance approach goals showed a nonlinear decrease). Individual variability was observed in the initial levels of all four types of achievement goals. There were significant individual differences in the growth rate of performance avoidance goals, but not in those of the other three types of goals. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Automated summary

This study tested the longitudinal measurement invariance of Elliot and McGregor's (2001) achievement goal scale and examined the growth trajectories of emerging adults' achievement goals over time. The results showed that the achievement goal scale demonstrated longitudinal measurement invariance. The findings also revealed an overall decline in three types of achievement goals over time, with individual variability in initial levels and growth rates.