Using Measures of Academic Tilt and Measured Interest Tilt to Predict STEM Major Choice

• In Event: 29.082 - Roundtable Session 9
  In Roundtable Session: 29.082-16 - Assessing Science and Mathematics for Diverse Learners

Abstract

This study demonstrated the value of jointly using measures of academic tilt and measured interests tilt to predict whether students will declare a STEM major during their first term in college, after accounting for mathematics and science academic achievement levels, high school coursework taken and grades earned, major intentions, certainty of major intentions, and gender. Data for the study was comprised of nearly 80,000 first-time entering students from more than 40 four-year institutions. Having a relative strength in math and science achievement versus English, reading and social studies achievement, and tilts toward things and ideas on the People/Things and Data/Ideas dimensions for measured vocational interests were positively related to STEM major choice.

Authors

• Paul A. Westrick, ACT, Inc.

• Justine Radunzel, ACT, Inc.

• Dina Bassiri, ACT Inc.