Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026

Multimedia Battery for Assessment of Cognitive and Basic Skills in Mathematics BM-PROMA
Published on: August 28, 2021
The Impact of Math Attitudes and Gender in Future School Choice: A Longitudinal Study Among Italian Students
Lorenzo Esposito1, Irene Tonizzi1, Maria Carmen Usai1
1Department of Education (Disfor), University of Genoa, Corso Andrea Podestà, 2, 16128 Genoa, Italy.
Abstract:
Previous research indicates that cognitive and affective-motivational factors, along with gender, influence students' educational choices, especially regarding STEM tracks. However, few longitudinal studies have examined these factors during middle school, a critical stage in shaping future academic trajectories. This study investigated the longitudinal contribution of gender, cognitive abilities, and affective-motivational factors, such as self-concept, math interest, and math anxiety, in predicting students' school choice between STEM and non-STEM tracks at the end of middle school. Data were collected from 159 Italian students, followed from seventh to eighth grade. Findings indicated that gender and positive attitudes toward math were strongly associated with STEM school choice. Boys were more likely than girls to choose STEM tracks (b = 5.048). Higher levels of math self-concept (b = 4.848) and interest (b = 0.887) significantly predicted the likelihood of choosing a STEM school. These results highlight how gender and affective-motivational factors shape educational pathways during adolescence.
More Related Videos
10:26Problem-Solving Before Instruction PS-I: A Protocol for Assessment and Intervention in Students with Different Abilities
Published on: September 11, 2021
07:32Use of Galvanic Skin Responses, Salivary Biomarkers, and Self-reports to Assess Undergraduate Student Performance During a Laboratory Exam Activity
Published on: February 10, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Stereotype Threat and Self-fulfilling Prophecies
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Mathematical Modeling: Problem Solving
Regression Toward the Mean
Two-Way ANOVA
The two-way ANOVA analysis initially begins by stating the null hypothesis that there is an interaction effect between the two factors of a dataset. This effect can be visualized using line segments formed by joining the...
Growth versus Fixed Mindset