Achievement goals, social goals, and motivational regulations in physical education settings

This study examined the relationship between achievement and social goals, and explored how both goals affect students’ level of informed self-determination in Physical Education. Participants were 395 high school students. Three scales were used to assess achievement, social goals, and motivation. Several hierarchical regression analyses revealed that mastery-approach goals were the greatest contributors to the individuals’ levels of self-determination. Achievement and social goals were found to be separate predictors of students’ levels of self-determination, and this highlights the importance of separating mastery and performance goals into avoidance and approach profi les. Girls reported signifi cantly higher values than boys on responsibility, relationship, and mastery-avoidance goals, whereas boys scored higher on performance-approach goals. Researchers could use achievement and social goals to study students’ motivation and achievement in Physical Education settings.