The Development of Situational Interest in Math: Effects of Triggered Situational Interest and Utility Value

• In Event: Relations Between Motivation and Anxiety Beliefs on Mathematical Achievement

Abstract

We examined the longitudinal association between two types of situational interest to understand the development of situational interest in math. In particular, we tested whether triggered situational interest in one semester (T1) could predict maintained situational interest in the following semester (T2). In addition, we evaluated the role of utility value in situational interest development and three types of motivational engagement as outcomes of situational interest. Path analysis showed that triggered situational interest and utility value (T1) significantly predicted maintained situational interest (T2). Maintained situational interest was also positively related with students’ motivational engagement (choice, effort, persistence) for math. Furthermore, the indirect effects of triggered situational interest and utility value on students’ motivational engagement were significant.

Authors

• Sungjun Won, The Ohio State University

• Shirley L. Yu, The Ohio State University