One Size Fits All? Longitudinal, Profile-Centered Examinations of Adolescents’ Motivation in Mathematics and Social Studies

• In Event: Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: Motivation in Education SIG Poster Session 2

Abstract

Building upon prior profile-centered research, we examined adolescents’ (N = 359) mathematics and social studies motivation during the fall and spring. Five motivational profiles were identified across subjects: (1) Intrinsically Motivated and Competent, (2) Highly Motivated-Approach Oriented, (3) Highly Motivated by Any Means, (4) Performance Oriented, and (5) Amotivated. Almost 60% of students switched profiles across the school year in both classes. Profile membership and shifts predicted academic outcomes. The first three profiles displayed high performance, with trade-offs for engagement. The latter two profiles reported lower performance depending on the subject. Neither profile membership nor the adaptiveness of profiles differed as a function of individual characteristics. Findings highlight subject-related differences in students’ motivation and the benefit of longitudinal profile-centered research.

Authors

• Stephanie V. Wormington, Michigan State University

• Michael M. Barger, Duke University

• Lisa Linnenbrink-Garcia, Michigan State University