ERIC Number: EJ1068532
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 28
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1380-3611
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Trajectories of Change in Students' Self-Concepts of Ability and Values in Math and College Major Choice
Musu-Gillette, Lauren E.; Wigfield, Allan; Harring, Jeffrey R.; Eccles, Jacquelynne S.
Educational Research and Evaluation, v21 n4 p343-370 2015
This study extends previous research on the long-term connections between motivation constructs in expectancy-value theory and achievement outcomes. Using growth mixture modelling, we examined trajectories of change for 421 students from 4th grade through college in their self-concept of ability (SCA) in math, interest in math, and perceived importance of math. We also assessed how these trajectories relate to choice of college major, focusing on math-intensive and non-intensive majors. Gender, parental income, and initial achievement were included as covariates in the analyses. A 3-class solution best represented underlying trajectories of change for each of the 3 constructs. A latent class relatively high in math self-concept, interest, and importance emerged for each construct respectively, and individuals in these high classes were most likely to choose a math-intensive college major. Interpretations and implications of the trajectories of change and their influence on college major classification are discussed.
Descriptors: Self Concept, College Students, Academic Ability, Mathematics Skills, Majors (Students), Correlation, Student Motivation, Expectation, Value Judgment, Mathematics Achievement, Elementary School Students, Grade 4, Student Interests, Gender Differences, Family Income, Multivariate Analysis, Longitudinal Studies, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12, Rating Scales
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Elementary Education; Grade 4; Intermediate Grades; Grade 5; Middle Schools; Grade 6; Grade 10; Secondary Education; High Schools; Grade 11; Grade 12
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Michigan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A