Factor Structure of Student Science-Learning Motivation: Evidence from TIMSS U.S. Data

Abstract

We investigated the structure of science motivation among a nationally representative sample of grade 8 students in the United States from the TIMSS dataset. Drawing on an integrative conceptual model of motivation, the following constructs from situative expectancy-value theory (SEVT) and self-determination theory (SDT) were examined through confirmatory factor analyses, including self-concept, task value (intrinsic and utility value), and sense of relatedness, to test the underlying factor structure of motivation. Internal validity evidence was established, which showed that a four-factor model fits the data significantly better than a three-factor model and one-factor model. This study contributes to the current literature by providing evidence of the four dimensions of motivation in a manner that is theoretically aligned with SEVT and SDT, and validated using the TIMSS dataset. The student’s sense of relatedness as a key interpersonal facet of learning motivation is highlighted in this study.