New Research Identifies Key Predictors of Science Success in Young Students

The following is excerpted from an online article posted by PsyPost.

A recent study published in Learning and Individual Differences has shed light on how motivation impacts science achievement and career aspirations among students aged 11 to 14. Researchers found that the most successful and ambitious students tended to have a motivational profile marked by high expectations of success, a genuine interest in science, and a belief in its importance and utility. Additionally, these students perceived the “cost” of studying science—such as the effort involved—as low.

The researchers behind the new study aimed to address a critical issue: the declining interest in science during adolescence and its implications for educational and career choices. With a growing demand for workers skilled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, understanding what drives students to pursue science is essential.

The research involved 1,240 students aged 11 to 14 from six secondary schools in northwest England. The sample included a diverse range of students in terms of gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background.

“Students’ beliefs about their ability, the importance of science, and the drawbacks associated with studying science (e.g., that requires a lot of effort) are critical in determining achievement and aspirations in early adolescence,” said study author David Putwain, a professor of education at Liverpool John Moores University. “In addition, girls and students and economically disadvantaged backgrounds tended to believe there were higher drawbacks in studying science, but did not judge their ability or the importance of science any differently to those from other backgrounds.”

Source: PsyPost
https://www.psypost.org/new-research-identifies-key-predictors-of-science-success-in-young-students/