Interest Development and Implicit Theories of Interest: An Integrative Theoretical Approach (Poster 48)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Ten
  In Poster Session: Cognitive and Motivational Processes: Poster Session Three

Abstract

Although the four-phase model of interest development assumes that interests develop through exposure and experiences over time, an implicit theories perspective suggests that some individuals possess a fixed mindset of interest, in which interests are perceived as static and trait-like. An integrative theoretical framework—which melds these two seemingly contradictory theoretical perspectives—is applied to examine the association between interest development and implicit theories of interest. A comprehensive analysis of survey data from 629 American undergraduate students (1) indicates that qualitative differences in self-reported interests might help us more precisely characterize the association between interest mindset and interest development, which was null in the present study, and (2) underscores the importance of considering the developmental processes and contexts underlying interest.

Authors

• Matthew Kim, University of Kentucky
  Presenting Author

• Kristen Buford, University of Kentucky
  Non-Presenting Author

• Claire Braun, University of Kentucky
  Non-Presenting Author

• Meghan Pawsat, University of Kentucky
  Non-Presenting Author

• Mayson Spillman, University of Kentucky
  Non-Presenting Author

• Julia Todd, University of Kentucky
  Non-Presenting Author