Sex and Age Differences in Achievement Goal Orientations in Turkish Adolescents

Abstract

Culture plays an important role in the achievement goal orientations of students, which may vary as they progress through their lifespan. However, research examining achievement goal orientations in the Turkish cultural context is scarce. Based on contextual and developmental theories, the aim of this study was to examine sex and age differences in achievement goal orientations in Turkish high school students. Participants consisted of 386 female and 250 male high school students (61% female, M=15.67 yrs; SD=1.22) who completed the 2x2 Achievement Goal Orientation Scale. Two way analyses of variance were used to test the research hypotheses. Study results suggested that there was no difference between boys and girls in achievement goal orientation dimensions; however, older students were more likely to less mastery and performance approach oriented than younger students. Based on contextual and developmental theories, some cultural factors related to achievement goal orientations in Turkish high school students were discussed and future studies were recommended.

Keywords: Achievement goal orientations, high school students, sex, age, Turkey.