Underrepresented Students' Attributions of Success in Graduate School

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable 22
  In Roundtable Session: Roundtable Session 3: Graduate and Postdoctoral Education Across the Disciplines SIG

Abstract

Previous research has shown women and racial minorities in doctoral engineering programs tend to have a longer time-to-degree and ultimately persist at lower rates than the peers. This longer time-to-degree leads students to a loss of motivation that often culminates in doctoral attrition. Using Weiner’s attribution theory, this quantitative case study compares the differences between graduate student groups’ attributions of success at a large, land-grant research institution. Understanding students’ attributions of success can provide insight into their expectancy of success and ultimately their decision to persist in pursuing their degree. These results will inform faculty and programs in helping these groups succeed at their institution and will enlighten best practices in graduate retention for this community at large.

Authors

• Mayra S Artiles, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Timothy J Kinoshita, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Catherine Amelink, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Holly Marie Matusovich, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• David Knight, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University