Estimating achievement goal orientation based on identity processing styles: A study of the role of educational grade

Goal orientation and its relevant factors are among the important motivational issues that have special place in education. The aim of the present research was to predict goal orientations based on identity processing styles with regard to students’ educational grades. To this end, a sample including 194 female students were selected from among the first and fourth grade students of senior high schools in the fifth district of Tehran, through a multi-step cluster sampling approach. They responded to Achievement Goal Orientation Questionnaire and Identity Style Inventory. The results of stepwise regression analysis showed that regardless of educational grades, information-oriented identity style in predicting mastery goal orientation and normative style in predicting performance-approach and performance-avoidance goals had a positive and significant role, but with regard to students’ grades relative to the total group, some difference was observed in the proportion of identity styles in predicting mastery and performance-approach goal orientations. It can indicate the moderating role of grades in the prediction of goal orientations based on identity styles.