Examining Women's Motivation to Achieve: Possibilities for Degree Aspirations in STEM

• In Event: How Do We Get Girls in STEM?

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between two intrinsic motivation factors on STEM degree aspirations (achievement motivation) among 232 graduate and undergraduate female STEM students attending 5 institutions in the southeast. The students completed a battery of measures, including a demographic questionnaire and the Academic Motivation scale, which examines reasons students persist in their degree aspirations. Quantitative data analysis includes correlation and logistic regression analyses. Results show that intrinsic motivation (to seek knowledge) significantly predicted achievement motivation for female students.

Authors

• Andrea L. Tyler, Tennessee State University
  Presenting Author

• Nicol R. Howard, Chapman University
  Presenting Author