Math and Science Expectancy-Value Beliefs: A Person-Centered Approach

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 4
  In Poster Session: Motivation in Education SIG Poster Session: Motivation in STEM Contexts

Abstract

A core postulate of expectancy-value-theory is that relative expectancies and values across academic domains have implications for achievement-related outcomes. However, little work has been conducted into how expectancy-value beliefs combine across multiple domains to form unique intraindividual hierarchies of motivational beliefs. Based on data from 5173 students, we investigated profiles of students’ math, biology, and physics expectancies and intrinsic and utility values. Additionally, we examined achievement and engagement in these domains as outcomes, and gender, SES, and parental involvement as predictors, of profile membership. Five profiles were found observed, with profiles displaying evidence of cross-domain differentiation. Achievement and engagement in the domains were found to significantly differ across the profiles, and gender, SES, and parental involvement significantly predicted profile membership.

Authors

• Harsha Perera, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Jennifer John, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Danette Dee Barber, Nevada State College

• Rachel Part, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Alireza Maghsoudlou, University of Nevada Las Vegas