2014;22:489-504. doi: 10.1177/1069072713498683.
Precision in career motivation assessment: Testing the subjective science attitude change measures.
Journal of Career Assessment
Eric D Deemer, Jessi L Smith, Dustin B Thoman, Justin P Chase
UIID-EM: 25
Bookshelf ID: 2014-39319-007 DOI: 10.1177/1069072713498683
Abstract
The Subjective Science Attitude Change Measures (SSACM; Stake & Mares, 2001) represent a collection of useful self-report tools for assessing change in high school students’ science attitudes as a function of a given motivational intervention. Despite the survey’s utility, little work has been done to examine this tool among other samples (i.e., college students) or to test the psychometric properties and overall construct validity of SSACM scores. Participants (N = 1,368) consisted of undergraduate students enrolled in biology, chemistry, and physics laboratory classes. Analysis of the SSACM’s factor structure using exploratory structural equation modeling indicated support for a bifactor structure consisting of one general science motivation factor and three specific factors labeled intrinsic science interest, science career identity, and science self-efficacy. This model outperformed alternative bifactor and specific two- and three-factor models. Results largely yielded evidence of concurrent validity, as three of the four scale scores were significant positive predictors of relevant outcomes over and above the contribution of gender, parental occupation type, and mastery motivation. Implications for science career counseling and assessment are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved). (journal abstract)
Keywords: career motivation; science self-efficacy; science interest; career identity; Attitude Change; Motivation; Sciences
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