Science Interest, Utility, Self-Efficacy, Identity, and Science Achievement Among High School Students: An Application of SEMTree

• In Event: Applications of Structural Equation Modeling in Education Research

Abstract

The current study explored the associations between science interest, science utility, science self-efficacy, science identity, and science achievement in a serial mediation model and the potential heterogeneity in the model parameters using one of the data-mining techniques, SEMTree. Data on 14,815 high school students were obtained from a large-scale database (HSLS:09). The results highlighted science interest and utility positively influencing science achievement through a sequential pathway of mediators, including science self-efficacy and identity. The strength of direct effects considerably varied across students, resulting in classifying them into four subgroups. Among females with low SES subgroup, developing substantial science interest and utility would result in better science self-efficacy and identity, which associated with higher science achievement

Author

• Amal Alhadabi, Kent State University - Kent