Examining the dimensional structure and nomological network of achievement goals in the Philippines

•The dimensional structure and nomological network of achievement goals were explored.•The dimensional structure of the 2 × 2 model was supported in the Philippines.•Cross-cultural differences were found in terms of the nomological network.•Contrary to Western findings, performance-avoidance goals were not maladaptive.•Mastery-approach goals were adaptive which corroborated existing research.

The aim of this study was to test the cross-cultural validity of the 2 × 2 achievement goal model in the Philippine context. The dimensional structure of the four achievement goals (mastery-approach, performance-approach, mastery-avoidance, and performance-avoidance) and their associations with key learning outcomes were investigated. In Study 1, support for the dimensional structure of the 2 × 2 model was found. In Study 2, associations between achievement goals and learning outcomes such as engagement, disaffection, and achievement were investigated. Contrary to Western research, performance-avoidance was positively associated with adaptive outcomes and performance-approach goals were only weakly related to achievement. Cross-cultural implications are discussed.