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Profiles of control, value and achievement emotions in primary school mathematics lessons
Wendy Symes1, Stephanie Lichtenfeld1, Peter Wood2
1Institute for Psychology in Education, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
Background:
Achievement emotions are important for mathematical achievement. However, it is currently unclear how specific combinations of emotions-and their associated control and value appraisals-relate to mathematics performance, especially in younger students.
Aims:
The aims of this study were to (i) identify heterogeneous profiles of control, value and achievement emotions (enjoyment, boredom and anxiety) experienced during primary-school mathematics lessons, and to explore how profile membership related to (ii) mathematics test scores and (iii) gender.
Sample:
Our sample comprised 883 students (50% girls, Mage = 9.34 years, SD = .48) from 23 primary schools in England.
Methods:
Data were collected longitudinally over one academic year. Students completed mathematics tests at T1 and T3, and self-reported their control, value and achievement emotions in mathematics lessons at T2. A latent profile analysis was conducted to identify profiles of appraisals and emotions. To validate the profiles, T3 mathematics test scores and gender were included as covariates of profile membership.
Results:
Three profiles were identified: The Positive profile, Negative profile and Mixed profile. Students in the Positive profile had significantly higher mathematics test scores at T3 than students in the Mixed profile. Being a girl increased the likelihood of belonging to the Mixed or Negative profile relative to the Positive profile.
Conclusions:
Primary school students' control and value appraisals and achievement emotions co-occur in line with the theoretical assumptions of CVT. Combinations of emotions should be considered when exploring the impact of emotions on student learning and achievement in mathematics.
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