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10 - Predicting career aspirations and university majors from academic ability and self-concept

A longitudinal application of the internal–external frame of reference model

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 October 2014

By
Philip Parker ,
Gabriel Nagy ,
Ulrich Trautwein  and
Oliver Lüdtke
Edited by
Ingrid Schoon  and
Jacquelynne S. Eccles
Philip Parker
Affiliation:
Centre for Positive Psychology and Education (CPPE)
Gabriel Nagy
Affiliation:
Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN)
Ulrich Trautwein
Affiliation:
University of Tübingen
Oliver Lüdtke
Affiliation:
Humboldt University of Berlin
Ingrid Schoon
Affiliation:
Institute of Education, University of London
Jacquelynne S. Eccles
Affiliation:
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Summary

Abstract

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics university majors are critical pathways toward prestigious careers, yet women are still underrepresented in many of these domains. In this chapter, we review the role that self-beliefs play in the development of educational aspirations and attempts to realize those aspirations at the end of secondary school. In particular, we use the internal/external frame of reference model to explore the potential of achievement and self-concept profiles as predictors of university major aspirations and attainment as one possible explanation for gender differences in these domains. After reviewing previous research in this area, we provide a research example using a large longitudinal database from Germany (N = 1,881). Results suggest that (a) high math achievement and self-concept predicted math-intensive university major choice and lower likelihood of entering verbal-intensive majors (and vice versa); (b) there appeared to be a continuum of university majors such that strong mathematics achievement and self-concept profiles predicted entry into hard sciences, while the opposite profile predicted entry into the humanities with biology and medicine displaying more mixed patterns; and (c) after controlling for achievement and self-concept there were still important gender differences in university majors. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

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Chapter
Information
Gender Differences in Aspirations and Attainment
A Life Course Perspective
 , pp. 224 - 246
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2014

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