Goal Orientations and Cognitive Engagement as Predictors of Conceptual Change About COVID-19

• In Event: Motivation and Cognition in Learning and Instruction

Abstract

This study examined the hypothesized relationships between goal orientations and personal factors of cognitive engagement during conceptual change used as predictors, and conceptual change about the coronavirus. Participants were 202 individuals who randomly participated in our survey study through email communications and social media channels. A series of multiple linear regressions were conducted to test the hypothesized relationships among the variables. We found that mastery-approach goal orientation, as opposed to performance-approach goals, was a significant positive predictor of conceptual change. We also found that personal relevance of the message and culture both significantly predicted conceptual change. Implications of the findings are discussed for conceptual change theory practice of stakeholders aiming to combat misconceptions about the coronavirus through effective interventions.

Authors

• Murat Turk, The University of Oklahoma

• Ali Ceyhun Muftuoglu, University of Oklahoma

• Benjamin C. Heddy, University of Oklahoma