A factor analytic examination of the Achievement Goal Questionnaire-revised supports a three-factor model

The literature in achievement goals includes mixed results as to the factor structure of achievement goal measures, particularly the Achievement Goal Questionnaire-Revised (AGQ-R). In a sample of 1,496 undergraduate students (600 men, 891 women, 5 unreported sex; M age = 20.6 yr., SD = 3.2), the AGQ-R was subjected to an exploratory factor analysis that suggested three factors. Then, in a different sample of 1,125 undergraduate students (270 men, 750 women, 5 unreported sex; M age = 21.7 yr., SD = 5.4), the measure was subjected to a confirmatory factor analysis, in which a three-factor solution, again, showed the best fit to the observed data. The implications of these results for the measurement of achievement goals are discussed.