Persons Can Speak Louder Than Variables: Person-Centered Approaches to Student Learning Assessment

• In Event: Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: New Developments in Psychometrics, Measurement, and Assessment: Poster Session 1

Abstract

In order to ensure that analyses are appropriate for one’s research question(s), it is important to consider whether a person-centered or variable-centered approach is needed. Person-centered approaches are often not considered in situations for which they would be appropriate. This study applied one person-centered technique – structural equation mixture modeling – to data from a sample of undergraduate students. Profiles were created from student responses to six self-report motivation measures: mastery approach goal orientation, performance approach goal orientation, performance avoidance goal orientation, work avoidance, executive help-seeking, and help-seeking threat. There was support for three distinct profiles, which were in turn compared on two measures of academic success. Implications for educators and the importance of person-centered techniques are discussed.

Authors

• Elisabeth Marie Pyburn, James Madison University

• S. Jeanne Horst, James Madison University