Investigating the Role of Parental Values in Secondary School Girls' Value for Science Content

• In Event: 73.062 - Poster Session 17
  In Poster Session: 73.062-4 - Motivation in Education SIG Poster Session 1

Abstract

Previous research suggests that when parents show value for science content, students may express increased value (Jodl, et al., 2001). To explore the mechanism for this phenomenon, mixed methods analysis was used to investigate how parents show value for science to their children. The sample consisted of 89 students from an all-girl middle and high school in Los Angeles. Treatment participants engaged in an intervention where they wrote journal entries about parent conversations. The findings show that treatment participants reported more value for science. Qualitative analysis revealed that value increased when parents made value statements, co-engaged in science related activities, and allowed their daughters to teach science content to them. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Authors

• Benjamin C. Heddy, University of Oklahoma

• Gale M. Sinatra, University of Southern California

• Barbara A. Greene, University of Oklahoma

• Ananya Mukhopadhyay, University of Southern California