Development and Evaluation of STEM Interest and Self-Efficacy Tests

The recruitment and retention of students interested in STEM pursuits (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is a national priority obstructed by a lack of relevant measures. We developed a set of assessment devices applicable to program evaluation as well as the identification of STEM...

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Veröffentlicht in:Journal of career assessment 2014-11, Vol.22 (4), p.642-653
Hauptverfasser: Milner, Diana I., Horan, John J., Tracey, Terence J. G.
Format: Artikel
Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:The recruitment and retention of students interested in STEM pursuits (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is a national priority obstructed by a lack of relevant measures. We developed a set of assessment devices applicable to program evaluation as well as the identification of STEM interested students and their self-efficacy levels. In this article, we report the psychometric properties of two interest and two self-efficacy measures of STEM-related activities and occupations. Exploratory factor analyses conducted on each measure with a randomly selected half of the sample (n = 213) resulted in one general STEM factor. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on shortened versions of the tests for the remaining half of the sample (n = 190). Goodness-of-fit indices all supported the one-factor model. Applications of the instruments to STEM assessment and education are discussed.
ISSN:1069-0727
1552-4590
DOI:10.1177/1069072713515427