Construct validity of multiple achievement goals: A multitrait‐multimethod approach

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine three different instruments which have been used in research conducted in the physical domain to measure mastery, performance‐approach, and performance‐avoidance goals. The construct validity of the assessment tools, including a determination of their convergent and discriminant validity as well as a method effect, was tested via several confirmatory factor analyses. Four hundred and fifty athletes from different sport clubs were involved in the present study. Participants were asked to fill out three different multiple achievement goal instruments as well as two external criteria scales. The results based on CFA showed that all of the three instruments measured the same latent construct of multiple achievement goals. The convergent validity as well as the discriminant validity was supported. Evidence for a limited method effect in terms of the different measures was also provided

Keywords:

• construct validity
• MTMM
• multiple achievement goals
• convergent validity
• discriminant validity
• method effect