Race, Academic Achievement, and the Issue of Inequitable Motivational Payoff

• In Event: Centering Understudied Populations and Contexts in Motivation Research

Abstract

Across three U.S.-based studies (N=8,293), we use Latent Profile Analysis and multi-level Structural Equation Modeling to demonstrate that race-based differences in achievement do not stem from a lack of motivation among Black, Latinx, and Indigenous (BLI) students, but a lack of "equitable motivational payoff". Namely, motivation does not translate to achievement to the same degree for BLI and non-BLI students as BLI students receive grades that are up to 11% lower than their non-BLI peers with the same levels of motivation. We contribute to critical understandings of the sources of inequity through demonstrating that this phenomenon is not explained by differences in students' effort or other individual-level factors, but is mediated through teachers' diminished expectations for their BLI students' futures.

Authors

• David M. Silverman, Northwestern University
  Presenting Author

• Josiah Rosario, Northwestern University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Mesmin Destin, Northwestern University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Stephanie V. Wormington, Center for Creative Leadership
  Non-Presenting Author

• Yoi Tibbetts
  Non-Presenting Author

• Chris S. Hulleman, University of Virginia
  Non-Presenting Author