Antecedents of Costs: What Shapes the Cost Perceptions of Non–Science Majors in a Science Course?

• In Event: 30.062 - A Closer Examination of Cost: Expectancy-Value Theory Revisited

Abstract

This short-term longitudinal study examined antecedents (academic achievement and achievement goal orientations) of undergraduates’ cost perceptions, and the relations between cost perceptions and later achievement. Two waves of data were collected in one semester from 86 diverse students enrolled in a general education biology course for non-science majors. The results of path analyses suggested that prior biology exam achievement negatively predicted perceptions of cost. Mastery approach goals negatively, and performance avoidance goals positively, predicted perceptions of cost. Cost perceptions did not significantly predict achievement goal orientations or later achievement in the course. These results address a gap in the literature regarding the antecedents of perceived cost and the role of cost perceptions in students’ academic achievement.

Authors

• Delaram A. Totonchi, Old Dominion University

• Tony Perez, Old Dominion University

• Yuanyuan Yue, Old Dominion University