Carol L. Barry

Can We Feel Confident in How We Measure College Confidence? A Psychometric Investigation of the College Self-Efficacy Inventory

Two studies were conducted to examine validity evidence for the College Self-Efficacy Inventory, by investigating dimensionality and theoretically based relationships with external criteria. Modifications to the scale yielded an adequately fitting three-factor model, and most hypothesized relationships were empirically supported. However, continued refinement of the instrument is recommended owing to construct underrepresentation.

Modeling Change in Effort Across a Low-Stakes Testing Session: A Latent Growth Curve Modeling Approach

ABSTRACT We examined change in test-taking effort over the course of a three-hour, five test, low-stakes testing session. Latent growth modeling results indicated that change in test-taking effort was well-represented by a piecewise growth form, wherein effort increased from test 1 to test 4 and then decreased from test 4 to test 5. There was significant variability in effort for each of the five tests, which could be predicted from examinees’ conscientiousness, agreeableness, mastery approach goal orientation, and whether the examinee “skipped” or attended the initial testing session. The degree to which examinees perceived a particular test as important was related to effort for the difficult, cognitive test but not for less difficult, noncognitive tests. There was significant variability in the rates of change in effort, which could be predicted from examinees’ agreeableness. Interestingly, change in test-taking effort was not related to change in perceived test importance. Implications of these results for assessment practice and directions for future research are discussed.

Motivation for Achievement and Attitudes toward Mathematics Instruction in a Required Calculus Course at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology

This study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) examines students’ learning goals and attitudes toward mathematics in a first-year calculus course in undergraduate engineering education. Achievement motivation research using the Achievement Goal Questionnaire (AGQ) is advanced from current literature with two additions: (1) a course specific context using introductory college calculus students, and (2) participation of Norwegian students. Preand posttest measures of attitudes indicate that students do change learning goals over time, unfortunately opposite to the instructors’ aspirations. A significant increase in “Mastery Avoidance” and “Work Avoidance” was accompanied with a drop in “Mastery Approach” and “Performance Approach”. Variables such as value, motivation and enjoyment decreased along with a significant drop in self-confidence.