Measuring Students' Affinities Toward Representations of Their Academic Achievement: The Motivated Information-Seeking Questionnaire

• In Event: 29.083 - Poster Session 4
  In Poster Session: 29.083-12 - Motivation in Education SIG Poster Session 2

Abstract

The Motivated Information-Seeking Questionnaire (MISQ) is validated using a college student sample drawn from across the country (n = 551). The MISQ measures constructs that are parallel to—but distinct from—mastery, performance-avoid, and performance approach as theorized by Achievement Goal Theory. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to internally validate the scales within the MISQ, resulting in validation of the performance-approach information-seeking (PAIS), and performance-avoid information-seeking (PVIS) dimensions. Results of external validation indicated that PVIS and PAIS were empirically distinguishable from performance-approach and performance-avoid goal orientations. Multiple regression analysis indicated the predictive power of PVIS and PAIS with regard to students’ affect and attributions, after they interpreted visualizations of their academic achievement (after controlling for relevant demographic characteristics).

Author

• Stephen J. Aguilar, University of Southern California