The Development and Validation of an Aspirational Capital Scale

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 4:55 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Quantitative Approaches in Educational Research and Measurement (Table 31)

Abstract

Aspirational capital (AC) is defined as the “ability to maintain hopes and dreams for the future even in the face of barriers” (Yosso, 2005, p. 41). AC is theorized to help underserved students in their education journeys despite institutions praising dominant capital. This study sought 1) to understand the dimensions and build upon the theoretical structure of AC; and 2) develop a reliable and valid scale for organizations to utilize in programmatic improvements geared towards underserved students. This study’s scale development process included an expert panel review, cognitive interviews, pilot test, item analysis, a revised administration of the survey, and an exploratory factor analysis. Findings suggest Aspirational Capital Scale has four underlying, psychometrically strong, factors: internal, social, family, and equity motivation.

Authors

• Sarah Narvaiz, University of Tennessee

• Louis Rocconi, University of Tennessee