Measuring Topic-Specific Interests in a Single Course: Advantages and Challenges

• In Event: Current Approaches to Interest Measurement

Abstract

Working in introductory undergraduate biology classes, we use a survey to measure topic interest for the six units taught in a year-long course taken by biology majors: cells, genetics, animal physiology, plant physiology, evolution, and ecology. We also used interviews to track students’ individual interest in the field of biology in general. Factor analyses indicate that topic interest can be reliably assessed independently of individual interest. Because students come into the course with varying levels of topic-specific and individual interest, our results have implications for interventions designed to increase interest. By examining the relationship between topic-specific and individual interests, we can inform future interventions about different topics and their implications overall individual interest and achievement.

Authors

• Yoi Tibbetts, University of Wisconsin

• Elizabeth Ann Canning, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Judith Harackiewicz, University of Wisconsin