Role of Gender, Race, Ethnicity, and Motivational Beliefs in College Aspirations   (Poster 50)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Ten
  In Poster Session: Cognitive and Motivational Processes: Poster Session Three

Abstract

Over the past 40 years, the proportion of females enrolled in college has been higher than that of males, with variation across racial/ethnic groups. However, addressing social and economic challenges requires broad engagement across all of society with higher education access and participation for all. Using the OECD's 2018 PISA United States data, I used multiple regression models to examine gender and racial/ethnic differences in the extent to which self-efficacy, perceived usefulness of education, mastery motivation, and sense of meaning in life predict college aspirations, adjusting for socio-economic status. The results highlight the value of fostering students’ mastery motivation but underscores that sociocultural factors are also influencing the college aspirations of different groups of students.

Author

• Rebecca Friesen, University of Arizona
  Presenting Author