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Learning disorders can have adverse impacts on children and families extending beyond the academic skills deficits. The goal of the present study was to assess the impact of the school's response, following an independent evaluation, for child and family school-related quality of life (QOL). We hypothesized that a positive school response would be associated with improved QOL. Parents completed the LDQOL/15, a brief measure of school-related QOL, at the time that their child received an independent evaluation and again a year later (N = 155). At follow-up, parents reported the tenor of the school's response to the evaluation and whether special education services had changed. QOL problems were very high in this referred population, with 66% of respondents rating a level of problems in the clinical range at baseline. Predicted interactions between time of assessment (baseline/follow-up) and the school's response to the evaluation were confirmed for all outcome variables; a positive school response was associated with improved QOL. Nevertheless, the overall prevalence of school-related QOL problems remained high a year after the evaluation. These findings indicate that special education interventions can mitigate learning disabilities' impacts, but even with these services, many children with learning disorders and their families continue to be significantly affected.

The utility of the maximum likelihood F-test was demonstrated as an alternative to the omnibus Chi-square test when evaluating model fit in confirmatory factor analysis with small samples, as it has been well documented that the likelihood ratio test (T[subscript ML]) with small samples is not Chi-square distributed.

The present study describes an R function that implements six corrective procedures developed by Bartlett, Swain, and Yuan in the correction of 21 statistics associated with the omnibus Chi-square test, the residuals, or fit indices in confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM).

The objective of this study was to identify subgroups of toddlers with DSM-5 ASD based on core ASD symptoms using a person-based analytical framework. This is a retrospective study of 500 toddlers (mean age 26 months, 79% male) with DSM-5 ASD. Data were analyzed using latent class analyses in which profiles were formed based on ASD symptomatology. Social communication (SC) symptoms favored a three-class solution, while restricted/repetitive behaviors (RRBs) favored a two-class solution. Classes with higher consistency of SC deficits were younger, with lower developmental functioning. The class with more RRBs was older, with higher functioning. If confirmed in other populations, these classes may more precisely characterize subgroups within the heterogeneous group of toddlers at time of ASD diagnosis.

This study evaluated the psychometric quality of a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) version of the general cognitive ability test (GCAT), using a simulation study protocol put forth by Han, K. T. (2018a). For the needs of the analysis, three different sets of items were generated, providing an item pool of 165 items. Before evaluating the efficiency of the GCAT, all items in the final item pool were linked (equated), following a sequential approach. Data were generated using a standard normal for 10,000 virtual individuals (M = 0 and SD = 1). Using the measure's 165-item bank, the ability value ([theta]) for each participant was estimated. Maximum Fisher information (MFI) and maximum likelihood estimation with fences (MLEF) were used as item selection and score estimation methods, respectively. For item exposure control, the fade away method (FAM) was preferred. The termination criterion involved a minimum SE [less than or equal to]0.33. The study revealed that the average number of items administered for 10,000 participants was 15. Moreover, the precision level in estimating the participant's ability score was very high, as demonstrated by the CBIAS, CMAE, and CRMSE). It is concluded that the CAT version of the test is a promising alternative to administering the corresponding full-length measure since it reduces the number of administered items, prevents high rates of item exposure, and provides accurate scores with minimum measurement error.

Positive youth development has gained a lot of attention recently since it acts as a protective factor for several risk behaviors and other important life outcomes in adolescents and young adults. The main objective of this study was to explore the factorial structure of the Positive Youth Development Scale (PYDS) using multidimensional item response theory (MIRT). Three different models were examined: a unidimensional model, a multidimensional model with six distinct dimensions, and a multidimensional bifactor model, where each item was restricted to load simultaneously on a global positive development factor as well as a domain-specific one. Results indicated that the bifactor model provided superior model fit compared to the competing models, including a testlet and purified models. The study concludes with the advantages of MIRT models in dimensionality assessment and provides some suggestions for the improvement of the PYDS' item characteristics.

This quasi-experimental study used a repeated measures design to examine the effects of three manipulated classroom goal structures (i.e. mastery, performance-approach, performance-avoidance) on grammar achievement, perceived autonomy support, flow experience, and affect for 49 Greek elementary school students (ages 11-12; 48% girls). Over a period of four weeks, all students participated in three grammar classes, each emphasizing a different goal structure. Results from multilevel modeling showed that students in mastery and performance-approach goal structures achieved higher grammar scores than they did in the performance-avoidance goal structure. Additionally, students in mastery goal structure experienced greater autonomy support, flow, and positive affect than they did in the performance-approach and performance-avoidance structure. The results have implications regarding teachers' training since classroom practices are connected with achievement and students' engagement.

The main thesis of the present study is to use the Bayesian structural equation modeling (BSEM) methodology of establishing approximate measurement invariance (A-MI) using data from a national examination in Saudi Arabia as an alternative to not meeting strong invariance criteria. Instead, we illustrate how to account for the absence of measurement invariance using relative compared to exact criteria. A secondary goal was to compare latent means across groups using invariant parameters only and through utilizing exact and relative evaluative-MI protocol suggested equivalence of the thresholds using prior variances equal to 0.10. Subsequent differences between groups were evaluated using effect size criteria and the prior-posterior predictive p-value (PPPP), which proved to be invaluable in attesting for differences that are beyond zero, some meaningless nonzero estimate, and the three commonly used indices of effect sizes described by Cohen in 1988 (i.e., 0.20, 0.50, and 0.80). Results substantiated the use of the PPPP for evaluating mean differences across groups when utilizing nonexact evaluative criteria.

The purpose of the present study was to compare and contrast goal orientations with regard to stress experienced under conditions of pressure. Participants were 54 college students who participated in the study in response to extra credit. The experimental manipulation involved solving a tangram puzzle within a specific, short time under pressure and under four goal conditions: mastery, performance-outcome, performance-ability, and performance-avoidance normative. Incidents of vasoconstriction defined by low levels in blood volume pulse were expressed as exceeding a 0.5 standard deviation from the grand mean as per Cohen's conventions of a medium effect size. After fitting a cox regression model to the data, results indicated significant differences in the estimation of survival curves as a function of goal orientations with the pursuit of normative performance goals (outcome) and performance avoidance goals being associated with the most heightened incidents of stress. It is concluded that the fear that inspires people to avoid failure and an emphasis on performing under normative pressures are associated with heightened anxiety and self-regulation failure.

This study investigates the multivariate relationships among socioeconomic factors, special education coverage (SEC), and reading across countries participating in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). Three socioeconomic factors were considered: (a) gross national income per capita, (b) income inequality via the Gini index, and (c) female adult literacy. Two education outcomes were examined: (a) school life expectancy (SLE), and (b) reading performance in the PISA 2009 and 2010 assessments. A structural equation model linking socioeconomic factors, education context factors, and SEC to reading and SLE was tested on 67 PISA countries. The model accounted for 63% of the variance in SEC, 71% of the variance in SLE, and 80% of the variance in reading performance. Special education coverage contributed significantly to SLE and reading. The roles of national economy and special education coverage in predicting reading are discussed.

The purpose of the present study was to apply the methodology developed by Raykov on modeling item-specific variance for the measurement of internal consistency reliability with longitudinal data. Participants were a randomly selected sample of 500 individuals who took on a professional qualifications test in Saudi Arabia over four different occasions. Data were analyzed by use of confirmatory factor analysis, and item error variance was corrected for item specificity. The estimation of reliability involved composite index omega. Results indicated that the initially low and unacceptable levels of internal consistency reliability approached acceptable levels after accounting for item-specific variance. Findings were verified by testing whether the difference estimates of internal consistency reliability deviated from a zero-mean distribution using 10,000 replicated samples assuming a known (symmetric) or unknown (asymmetric) population distribution of the difference reliability coefficients. Percentage improvement reliability estimates indices were also estimated along with their 95% confidence intervals. Two appendices provide annotated Mplus syntax files for future use.

The purpose of the present study was to explain the moderating role of rapid automatized naming (RAN) in word reading with a cusp catastrophe model. We hypothesized that increases in RAN performance speed beyond a critical point would be associated with the disruption in word reading, consistent with a "generic shutdown" hypothesis. Participants were 587 elementary schoolchildren (Grades 2-4), among whom 87 had reading comprehension difficulties per the IQ-achievement discrepancy criterion. Data were analyzed via a cusp catastrophe model derived from the nonlinear dynamics systems theory. Results indicated that for children with reading comprehension difficulties, as naming speed falls below a critical level, the association between core reading processes (word recognition and decoding) becomes chaotic and unpredictable. However, after the significant common variance attributed to motivation, emotional, and internalizing symptoms measures from RAN scores was partialed out, its role as a bifurcation variable was no longer evident. Taken together, these findings suggest that RAN represents a salient cognitive measure that may be associated with psychoemotional processes that are, at least in part, responsible for unpredictable and chaotic word reading behavior among children with reading comprehension deficits.

Learning problems (LP) can have wider implications than the academic deficits per se. The goal of the present series of studies was to develop a reliable and valid quality-of-life measure targeted to children and adolescents with LP. In Study 1, using a 35-item questionnaire, we surveyed 151 parents/guardians of children referred for assessment of learning disorders. Exploratory factor analysis identified a three-factor model: Academic Performance, School Understanding, and Child/Family Psychological. These factors were validated against standardized measures of academic achievement and psychosocial functioning. The questionnaire was then reduced to 15 items--the LD/QOL15--and administered to a community sample of 325 parents/guardians of children in Grades 1 to 8 (Study 2). The three-factor model was verified with confirmatory factor analysis. Comparison of general education (n = 232) and LP (n = 93) groups within the community sample documented substantial group differences (p < 0.0001), with the LP group having higher mean scores. These differences were larger for older students (Grades 5-8) than younger students (Grades 1-4; p < 0.01). The LD/QOL15 is a brief and reliable measure that is valid to assess quality of life and, potentially, outcomes in children and adolescents with LP.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the regulation of goal orientations and strong "oughts" in students with learning disabilities (LD). Participants were 132 Greek students with state-identified LD using the achievement-discrepancy criterion, and 538 typical students. The first hypothesis tested was that feeling obliged to engage in an activity is grounded on fear and is associated with a network of avoidance-related behaviors. Results confirmed this hypothesis, as the ought-self explained significant amounts of variability in task avoidance, performance avoidance, and fear of failure. The second hypothesis was that the ought-self was associated with failure to regulate. Student groups were formed based on their adoption of mastery, performance approach, task avoidance, multiple-approach goals, and strong "oughts." Results indicated that students with strong "oughts" persisted significantly less than students with approach forms of motivation. Regardless of their lack of persistence, however, students with strong "oughts" were not inferior in achievement, nor did they display heightened negative affect. By modeling the relationship between goals, achievement and psychopathology, results showed that the ought-self was negatively associated with achievement and positively associated with indices of anxiety and depression. Mean group analyses pointed to salient differences between students with and without LD on motivation, achievement and psychopathology. (Contains 3 tables, 3 figures, and 2 footnotes.)

Attempts to evaluate the cognitive-motivational profiles of students with reading comprehension difficulties have been scarce. The purpose of the present study was twofold: (a) to assess the discriminatory validity of cognitive, motivational, affective, and psychopathological variables for identification of students with reading difficulties, and (b) to profile students with and without reading comprehension difficulties across those variables. Participants were 87 students who scored more than 1.3 SD below the mean on a standardized reading comprehension battery and 500 typical students in grades 2 through 4. Results using linear discriminant analyses indicated that students with reading comprehension difficulties could be accurately predicted by low cognitive skills and high competitiveness. Using cluster analysis, students with significant deficits in reading comprehension were mostly assigned to a low skill/low motivation group (termed helpless) or a low skill/high motivation group (termed motivated low achievers). Based on these findings, it was concluded that motivation, emotions, and psychopathology play a pivotal role in explaining the achievement tendencies of students with reading comprehension difficulties. (Contains 5 figures, 5 tables and 3 notes.)

The purpose of the present studies was to test the hypothesis that the psychometric characteristics of ability scales may be significantly distorted if one accounts for emotional factors during test taking. Specifically, the present studies evaluate the effects of anxiety and motivation on the item difficulties of the Rasch model. In Study 1, the validity of a reading comprehension scale was evaluated using the Rasch model with 60 students with learning disabilities (LD). Item parameters were retested for the presence of anxiety and results indicated that the scale was substantially more difficult in its presence. Study 2 replicated the findings of Study 1 using maladaptive motivation and extended with inclusion of adaptive motivational variables in order to reverse the effect. Results using students with and without LD indicated that the difficulty levels of the scale was lower for students with LD, in the presence of positive motivation, compared with a typical student group. Study 3 extended the dichotomous hierarchical generalized linear model with polytomous data. The measures of an ability test were adjusted for the presence of anxiety and results indicated that differential item functioning was observed at both the global level and the most difficult ability item. It is concluded that the difficulty levels of a scale are heavily influenced by situational factors during testing, such as students' entry levels of motivation and affect.

Little is known about early language development in infants who later develop autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We analyzed prospective data from 346 infants, some of whom were at high risk for developing ASD, to determine if language differences could be detected at 12 months of age in the infants who later were diagnosed with ASD. Analyses revealed lower receptive and expressive language scores in infants who later were diagnosed with ASD. Controlling for overall ability to understand and produce single words, a Rasch analysis indicated that infants who later developed ASD had a higher degree of statistically unexpected word understanding and production. At 12 months of age, quantitative and qualitative language patterns distinguished infants who later developed ASD from those who did not.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the hypothesis that a nonlinear relationship exists between a performance-classroom climate and the reading achievement of adolescent students with learning disabilities (LD). Participants were 62 students with LD (Grades 5-9) from public elementary schools in northern Greece. Classroom climate was assessed using the "Patterns of Adaptive Learning Styles." Achievement in reading was assessed using a normative reading assessment. Data were analyzed by means of catastrophe theory in which the behavior is predicted as a function of two control variables, the asymmetry factor and the bifurcation factor. Reading achievement (word identification) was predicted by students' ability to decode pseudowords (asymmetry variable) and by a mastery or performance motivational discourse (bifurcation factor). Results indicated that in classrooms with a performance goal structure, the cusp model fit the data and accounted for 54% of the variance in real word identification. In this condition, the association between pseudoword reading and real word reading was nonlinear. When a mastery climate was tested as a bifurcation variable, results indicated that its effect was nonsignificant and that instead the linear model fitted the data more adequately. Thus, increases in a classroom's performance motivational discourse are associated with sudden, unpredictable, and discontinued changes in students' reading performance.

The study explored the moderating role of rapid automatized naming (RAN) in reading achievement through a cusp-catastrophe model grounded on nonlinear dynamic systems theory. Data were obtained from a community sample of 496 second through fourth graders who were followed longitudinally over 2 years and split into 2 random subsamples (validation and cross-validation groups). Results verified the superiority of the cusp-catastrophe over linear and logistic models and established RAN-digits performance as a significant bifurcation factor in both concurrent and longitudinal prediction models. These findings suggested that reduced serial naming speed below a critical level was associated with significantly reduced predictability of word reading efficiency from pseudoword decoding ability. Results were tentatively interpreted as documenting the importance of highly automatized coordination of reading-related component processes, indexed by RAN performance, for word reading efficiency during the early and middle stages of reading acquisition.

The study assessed cognitive and academic performance of children demonstrating teacher-rated ADHD-related symptoms (Inattention [IA] and/or Hyperactivity/Impulsivity [H/I]) in a representative sample of, largely untreated, Greek elementary school students (N?=?923). A battery of tests assessing short-term memory (STM), sustained attention, executive functions (EFs), reading and math skills were administered. Significant deficits in EFs and STM were restricted to the groups of students displaying inattention symptoms and were only marginally elevated among students showing hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms alone, in comparison to their non-symptomatic peers. A similar pattern of group differences was observed on tests assessing word- and text-level reading skills. Impaired performance on sustained attention tasks was less evident. Among students who manifested inattention symptoms, those who also showed impaired reading skills presented more severe EFs deficits than typically achieving students. Results demonstrated a close link between EFs, other than inhibition and set-shifting, everyday symptoms of inattention, and achievement in math and word-level reading skills.

The purpose of the present study was to extend the model of measurement invariance by simultaneously estimating invariance across multiple populations in the dichotomous instrument case using multi-group confirmatory factor analytic and multiple indicator multiple causes (MIMIC) methodologies. Using the Arabic version of the General Aptitude Test (GAT), invariance was tested at the configural, metric, and scalar levels. Results indicated that the hybrid model that incorporates both the multi-group case and the MIMIC model provide a viable alternative to the measurement of invariance between variables when they interact. Metric and scalar invariance were supported for all of GAT's subscales with the exception of Word Meaning for which lack of invariance was likely caused by model misspecification. Subtle effects were observed in favor of public school testees, but they did not exceed significance levels.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of Break Free from Depression (BFFD), a school-based depression awareness curriculum, in comparison to a wait list control group. A total of 13 eighth grade classrooms participated in either an intervention or control group and completed pre-, post-, and three-month follow-up surveys. Students participating in BFFD (N = 6 classrooms, 166 students) demonstrated enhanced knowledge of and more adaptive attitudes towards depression compared to the control group (N = 7 classrooms, 155 students). Participants in the BFFD intervention also demonstrated increases in their confidence in knowing how to seek help for depression and in their intent to seek this help if needed. Slight decreases were found at a three-month follow-up in all scales except for intent to seek help. BFFD was effective regardless of gender, ethnicity, or identification as a member of the LGBTQ community. There was a delayed effect on measured constructs for Black students with gains apparent at three-month follow-up. The findings demonstrated that BFFD had a small but significant positive impact on students' knowledge, skills, and attitudes in seeking support for themselves and for others when faced with signs of depression. The implementation of depression awareness curricula in schools hold promise in promoting student mental health, and it is important to consider factors that might have an impact on outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to measure the effects of contact with integrated students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) on the knowledge, attitudes and empathy of children (n = 224) from grades 4-6. A comparison group of children (n = 251) who had no contact with classmates with ASD was also included. All participants completed self-report instruments. The implementation of multilevel modeling and moderation analysis indicated significant effects on all dependent variables as well as differences across gender and grades. Implications are discussed regarding the role of contact on peers' conceptions of autism and their attitudes towards children with ASD within inclusionary settings.

We evaluated the relationship between victimization and academic achievement from a nonlinear perspective using a cusp catastrophe model. Participants were 62 students with identified learning disabilities (LD) using statewide criteria in Greece. Students participated in a 2-year cohort-sequential design. Reading assessments involved measures of word accuracy, pseudoword accuracy, and reading comprehension using a standardized reading battery. Victimization was assessed using the Olweus (1993) questionnaire. Analysis involved estimation of the cusp model with the dependent variable (word accuracy or reading comprehension) being predicted by pseudoword or word decoding (the asymmetry factor) and victimization (the bifurcation or splitting factor). We hypothesized that the relationship between word and pseudoword decoding or reading comprehension and word decoding would be disrupted by the presence of high levels in victimization. That is, increased victimization following a critical point would be associated with unpredictable, sudden, and nonlinear changes in students' achievement in reading. Results were consistent with this hypothesis. Specifically, achievement in word decoding and reading comprehension entered a state of uncertainty (chaos) when victimization reached a certain threshold value. Consequently, victimization may not only affect emotional functioning but also seriously disrupt both reading achievement and self-regulatory processes related to reading.

The simple view of reading posits that reading comprehension can be decomposed into a print-specific component (concerning decoding and sight word reading) and a language comprehension component (concerning verbal and metalinguistic skills not related to print). One might properly consider lexical skills, indexed by vocabulary measures, part of the language component; however, vocabulary measures end up taking up substantial amounts of print-dependent reading comprehension variance, presumably because of the interrelations among semantic, orthographic, and phonological specification of lexical entries. In the present study we examined the role of vocabulary in the prediction of reading comprehension by testing alternative formulations within the context of the simple view. We used cross-sectional and (1-year) longitudinal data from 436 children in Grades 3-6 attending regular classrooms. We quantified the proportion of variance accounting for reading comprehension that could be attributed to vocabulary measures. We then tested a latent variable model positing a mediating position for vocabulary against a model with lexically based covariation among the simple view components. We discuss the results in an attempt to bring together the simple view with the lexical quality hypothesis for reading comprehension. (Contains 8 tables, 4 figures, and 1 footnote)

The purpose of the present study was to assess self-regulation of students with visual impairments across two academic subjects, language and math. The participants were 46 Greek students with visual impairments who completed self-regulation measures across the subject matters of language and math. Initially, the factorial validity of the scale was established. In turn, results pointed to the existence of a single universal self-regulation functioning pattern in individuals with visual impairments across subject matters (at the mean level). Measurement invariance was also observed at the item level through imposing equality constraints between items from different subjects. Based on the findings, it is suggested that self-regulation is not context specific for individuals with visual impairments. (Contains 2 notes, 2 tables, and 3 figures.)

The simple view of reading admits two components in accounting for individual differences in reading comprehension: a print-dependent component related to decoding and word identification, and a print-independent one related to oral language comprehension. It has been debated whether word or nonword reading is a better index of the print-dependent component and whether vocabulary measures fit within the print-independent component or constitute an additional factor. Here we apply a confirmatory factor analysis on a set of relevant measures from 488 Greek children in Grades 3-5 independently of reading comprehension. The results indicate that word and nonword reading do not constitute distinct factors but covary along the same two dimensions of accuracy and fluency. Oral vocabulary measures group with listening comprehension, resulting in excellent model fits. Strong correlations were observed between the latent factors of the purported print-dependent and print-independent components, consistent with an approach that focuses on the strong relations among semantic, orthographic, and phonological aspects of word representations. (Contains 3 tables and 4 figures.)

Assessment of lexical/semantic knowledge is performed with a variety of tests varying in response requirements. The present study exemplifies the application of modern statistical approaches in the adaptation and assessment of the psychometric properties of the "Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test--Revised" (PPVT-R) Greek. Confirmatory factor analyses applied to data from a large sample of elementary school students (N = 585) indicated the existence of a single vocabulary dimension and differential item functioning procedures pointed to minimal bias due to gender or ethnic group. Rasch model-derived indices of item difficulty and discrimination were used to develop a short form of the test, which was administered to a second sample of 900 students. Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed through comparisons with the "Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children"--III Vocabulary and Block design subtests. Short- and long-term stability of individual scores over a 6-month period were very high, and the utility of the test as part of routine educational assessment is attested by its strong longitudinal predictive value with reading comprehension measures. It is concluded that the Greek version of the PPVT-R constitutes a reliable and valid assessment of vocabulary for Greek students and immigrants who speak Greek. (Contains 4 tables and 6 figures.)

The focus of this study is on the role of achievement goals in students' persistence. The authors administered 5 puzzles to 96 college students: 4 unsolvable and 1 relatively easy (acting as a hope probe). They examined whether and how persistence may deteriorate as a function of failing the puzzles, as well as whether and how persistence may rebound after an event of success. Time spent engaging in the task comprised the dependent variable persistence (representing a behavioral aspect of engagement). Results suggested that mastery-oriented students persisted significantly longer compared with performance approach-oriented, performance avoidance-oriented, and amotivated students across failure trials. However, performance approach-oriented students were more likely to rebound after experiencing success. Qualitative data provided insights into the affective processes that accompanied engagement with the task. (Contains 3 tables, 1 footnote, and 2 figures.)

The presence of Matthew effects was tested in students of varying reading, spelling, and vocabulary skills. A cross-sequential design was implemented, following 587 Grade 2 through 4 students across five measurement points (waves) over 2 years. Students were administered standardized assessments of reading, spelling, and vocabulary. Results indicated that the hypothesized fan-spread pattern for Matthew effects was not evident. Low and high ability groups were formed based on 25th and 75th percentile cutoffs on initial measures of spelling, reading accuracy and fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Multilevel modeling suggested that low and high ability groups had significantly different starting points (intercepts) and their pattern of growth on passage comprehension did not indicate that the gap would increase over time. Instead, some analyses, especially of the youngest cohorts, showed significant convergence. However, there was no evidence of eventually closing the gap. Thus, although the poor students may not be getting poorer, they do not get sufficiently richer either. (Contains 3 tables and 5 figures.)

In two cross-sectional studies, we investigated to what extent elementary (Study 1) and middle school (Study 2) students pursue similar, yet distinct, mastery-related and performance-related goals in physical education. We found that students were more likely to endorse outcome goals in conjunction with mastery-related goals and ability goals in conjunction with normative goals. Rasch modelling suggested that students tended to endorse mastery-approach goals than learning and outcome goals and that they tended to favour ability goals than performance-approach goals. Differential item functioning analyses showed that autonomously motivated students were more likely to endorse learning goals and mastery-approach goals and less likely to endorse outcome goals than less autonomously motivated students. They were also more likely to endorse ability goals and less likely to endorse normative goals than controlled motivated students. Results are discussed within the achievement goal framework and the self-determination theory. (Contains 4 figures and 5 tables.)