Initial Validity Evidence for a New Scale to Measure Cost

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

Abstract

Expectancy-Value Theory offers an influential model for understanding motivation. However, one component of this theory, cost, has been largely ignored in empirical research. Though cost has recently reemerged in the literature, there is no full scale to measure the breadth of the construct. The current study addresses this shortcoming by presenting initial validity evidence for a new scale to measure cost. Scale development was an iterative process guided by Benson’s framework of construct validation. This paper focuses on results from the structural phase: factor and reliability analyses. The EFA revealed a two factor structure consisting of class related costs and outside-of-class related costs. The subscale scores had high reliability. Implications for scale revision and confirmatory studies are discussed.

Authors

• Jessica Kay Flake, University of Connecticut

• D. Betsy Mccoach, University of Connecticut

• Kenn E. Barron, James Madison University

• Chris S. Hulleman, University of Virginia

• Megan E. Welsh, University of California - Davis