Science-Related Beliefs and Attitudes of Parents: Building Students' Interests and Career Aspirations (Poster 37)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Fourteen
  In Poster Session: Supporting Academic and School Success Through Family, School, Community Partnerships

Abstract

Parents play an important role in the development of career aspirations for science. This study used confirmatory factor analysis to explore the science-related attitudes and beliefs of parents of students in grades 3-5. The study was situated in a science capital and family habitus framework that examined expectancy value variables related career aspirations. The results suggest the use of a 7-factor structure to measure parent attitudes toward STEM and the value of science as a career for themselves and for their child. Reliability levels were high for all scales. The findings demonstrate we can reliably measure parental science achievement value, future science task value for their child, childhood science experiences, childhood career aspirations, and prior experiences with science.

Authors

• M. Gail Jones, North Carolina State University
  Presenting Author

• Katherine Chesnutt, Appalachian State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Megan Ennes, University of Florida
  Non-Presenting Author

• Daniel Macher, Karl-Franzens-Universitaet
  Non-Presenting Author

• Manuela Paechter, University of Graz
  Non-Presenting Author