Validation of the Trichotomous Framework of Achievement Goals for Omani Students

While the trichotomous framework of achievement goal theory has received considerable discussion in Asian and North American cultures, it is not clear whether this framework can also be applied in Arabic cultures. The purpose of this study was to test the validity of the trichotomous framework of achievement goals as measured by Midgley et al.’s (2000) scales on Omani students. Ninth grade students (N = 1,636) enrolled in science classes at Muscat public schools in Oman completed the scales. The sample was randomly divided into two subsamples. The first sample (n = 786) was used for exploratory factor analysis whereas the second sample (n = 850) was used for confirmatory factor analysis. Results of both analyses supported the three-factor structure of the trichotomous framework of achievement goal theory: (a) mastery, (b) performance-approach, and (c) performance-avoidance goals; all correlated positively with each other (rs ranged from .32 to .45). Construct validity of the scales was supported by their relationships with academic self-efficacy in ways that