Persistence and effort in moving achievement goal research forward: A response to treasure and colleagues

In their response to our recent paper (Harwood, Hardy, & Swain, 2000), Trea sure et al. (2001) claimed to have clarified our misconceptions and misrepr esentations of achievement goal research. After first of all commenting on the apparently rather emotive nature of their response, we logically deal w ith each of their criticisms. Specifically, we present sound theoretical ar guments to show that: (a) personal theories of achievement hold primacy ove r achievement goals; (b) we are not "particularly confused" (or even a litt le confused) in our understanding of conceptions of ability; (c) there are excellent reasons for examining the possibility of a tripartite approach to goal orientation and goal involvement; and (d) the issue of measurement in achievement goal research needs to be carefully reconsidered. Further, in response to the status quo offered by Treasure and colleagues, we call for more innovative research that will help progress the impact of achievement goal theory in competitive sport.