Probing for the multiplicative term in modern expectancy-value theory: A latent interaction modeling study

Examined whether the multiplicative term "expectancy x value" in expectancy-value theory (EVT) can be observed in students. Latent moderated structural equation modeling was used in a sample of 2,508 students (mean age 19 years) at the end of secondary education. Expectancy beliefs in mathematics and english (Selbstbeschreibungsfragebogen für Schüler und Studenten, SDQ III), value beliefs, achievement outcomes (Dritte Internationale Mathematik- und Naturwissenschaftsstudie, TIMSS; Test of English as a Foreign Language, TOEFL), prior achievement (Grade 10 report card), and cognitive abilities (Kognitiver Fähigkeits-Test, KFT 4-12+R) were assessed. Expectancy and 4 facets of value beliefs (attainment, intrinsic, and utility value as well as cost) were found to predict achievement when entered separately into a regression equation. Moreover, in models with both expectancy and value beliefs as predictor variables, the expectancy component as well as the multiplicative term were consistently found to predict achievement positively. (ZPID).