Goal orientations - Two, three, or more factors?

Goal orientation research has developed two branches. One branch uses a two-factor dispositional model. The other branch uses a three-factor domain-specific model. The present multiwave study examines dispositional goal orientation constructs through both two- and three-factor models using repeated-measure confirmatory factor analysis. Results indicate dispositional performance goal orientation of the two-factor model can be better partitioned into the Prove and Avoid factors of the three-factor model. Further evidence is presented indicating the potential for more than three factors by further partitioning the Avoid factor into two separate constructs. Consistent with both branches of goal orientation research, learning goal orientation is largely independent of Performance, Prove, and Avoid factors in all tested models.