Not All Values Are Created Equal: Development and Roles of Expectancy and Values in Engineering

• In Event: Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: Motivation in Education SIG Poster Session 1

Abstract

This longitudinal study investigated development in expectancy and three types of value (utility, interest, and attainment) for engineering students in their first two years of college. Latent growth curve models indicated declines for all constructs, with attainment value declining more slowly than expectancy or other values. Students with slower declines in motivation achieved higher grades and were more likely to remain in an engineering major. Utility value explained a large amount of variance in GPA, while interest and attainment value models emerged as strong predictors of retention. Taking a supportive gateway course in the first semester was associated with slower declines in utility value. Results suggest expectancies and values display unique patterns of development and relations to predictors and outcomes.

Authors

• Kristy A. Robinson, McGill University

• You-kyung Lee, Sookmyung Women's University

• Emily Bovee, Michigan State University

• S. Patrick Walton, Michigan State University

• Daina Briedis, Michigan State University

• Lisa Linnenbrink-Garcia, Michigan State University