Testing the trichotomous model of achievement motivation in the UK

Introduction. According to the Trichotomous model (Elliot, 1997), three XIth European Congress of Sport Psychology 50 achievement goals account for variations in competencebased strivings: a) mastery goals focus on competence development and task mastery; b) performance-approach goals focus on attaining favourable judgements of normative competence, and c) performance avoidance goals focus on avoiding unfavourable judgements of normative competence. Research in education (e.g. Elliot, 1999) and sport/PE (e.g. Cury et al. 1999a, in press) supports the construct validity of the three goals. The present study tests the Trichotomous model on a British sample. Method. 566 sport participants (387 females, 197 males) aged 12 – 16 years completed questionnaires measuring mastery, performance-approach and performance-avoidance goals, mastery and performance climates, effort, competence, pressure, amotivation, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Results. Exploratory factor analysis identified 3 viable factors, which were internally consistent. In line with previous studies (Cury et al. 1999a, in press) regression analyses showed that the three goals: a) were predicted by competence and the relevant climate type and b) predicted intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (i.e. avoidance goals predicted positively pressure, introjected regulation and extrinsic motivation and negatively predicted enjoyment and effort; performance-approach goals predicted external regulation; and mastery goals predicted enjoyment, intrinsic motivation and self-determination and negatively predicted pressure and amotivation). Gender differences were found, males being higher than females in performance approach and avoidance goals. Conclusion. These findings confirm the construct validity of the Trichotomous model with a British sample. Further development of the achievement goals measure is required.