Can High Self-Efficacy and Value Buffer Cost? Exploring Interactive Relationships and Their Consequences for Engagement

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

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the critical yet unexplored question of how four dimensions of cost interact with task value and self-efficacy in explaining undergraduate physics students’ engagement (effort, persistence, procrastination, choice; N=1010). Results revealed significant interactions between cost and both task values and self-efficacy, but neither high self-efficacy nor task value buffered the negative effects of cost as was expected. Students with low self-efficacy or value reported more effort but persisted less and procrastinated more with higher cost. Even students with high self-efficacy or value struggled to persist and procrastinated more when they perceived higher cost. Taken together, increasing self-efficacy or task value is important but not sufficient for enhancing engagement. Contributions and implications are discussed.

Authors

• Yeo-eun Kim, The Ohio State University - Columbus

• Shirley L. Yu, The Ohio State University

• Alison C. Koenka, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Hyewon Lee, University of California - Irvine

• Andrew Heckler, The Ohio State University