Science Motivation Profiles Using Latent Profiles Analysis With the High School Longitudinal Study: 2009

• In Event: 33.045 - Applications of Propensity Scoring and Latent Variable Methodologies in Large-Scale Database Analyses

Abstract

Science motivation profiles were identified in a sample of US ninth-grade students in 2009 (n = 19,259) using latent profile analysis. The profile indicators were based on the expectancy-value model. Four distinct profiles were identified. Two high motivation profiles were distinguished by (1) high science self-efficacy with lower science utility value and (2) high science utility value with lower science self-efficacy. High-ability was identified by a math score at least one standard deviation above the mean within the race/ethnicity group. Only 27% of high-ability students had high motivation, while 28% of high-ability students had low motivation in science. The implications of high-ability students’ misidentification with science for talent development are discussed.

Authors

• Lori Andersen, The Center for Educational Teaching & Evaluation - The University of Kansas

• Jason A. Chen, The College of William and Mary