The literature defines curiosity and interest, but it is not clear how interest can be generated, where interest is positioned in the learning process, and what the impact of interest is on cognitive and emotional development. This paper reports on a three-year, iterative design-based research project involving three separate cohorts totalling 57…

Psychological research and theory have traditionally suggested that opportunities for choosing will lead to motivation and performance benefits. However, evidence on choice effects has not been ubiquitously positive, and recent investigations have revealed factors that diminish or reverse the effects of choosing. This investigation sought to…

The development of a usability evaluation method for educational systems or applications, called the self-report-based sequential analysis, is described herein. The method aims to extend the current practice by proposing self-report-based sequential analysis as a new usability method, which integrates the advantages of self-report in survey…

The increasing prevalence of online courses mandates an examination of the similarities--and differences--in the faculty training and development needs of those teaching online. With institutions facing increasingly limited resources, there is a need to prioritize faculty development initiatives that will encourage faculty participation. An…

Using the variables self-efficacy, self-estimates, and self-competencies in a hierarchical multiple regression and confirmatory factor analysis, the present study provided strong support for 3 of 6 RIASEC (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional) interest domains regarding Holland's (1997) assertion that it is…

The main purpose of the study was to investigate how individuals with a stated interest in American history described their interest. Understanding interest and the factors influencing interest development in a particular content is important as personal interest has been described as "having a critical role in the learning and development of…

Increasing the scientific literacy of Australians has become an educational priority in recent times. The "Science State--Smart State" initiative of the Queensland Government involves an action plan for improving science education that includes a Science for Life action. A desired outcome is for an increased understanding of the natural…

A survey of adolescent interests and concerns is described and the limitations of previous research in this area are mentioned. Results indicate that strong concerns are parents, the future, school performance, dating, money, friends, and siblings. (Author/DB)

Summarizes the perceptions and behaviors regarding environmental issues of five discrete and separate groups. Findings indicate that interest in an issue was related to higher perceived levels of information, perceived importance, a more internal individual and group locus of control, and higher levels of reported citizenship action. (ML)

Interest in babies was studied in 120 young adult males and females belonging to four stages of life: cohabiting singles, childless-married couples, expecting first child, and parents of an infant. Measures included responsivity to an unfamiliar baby, interest in pictures of babies, and a sex-role self-concept inventory. (Author/JMB)

Examined the effects of a high-value v low-value reward on intrinsic interest in reading a high-interest v low-interest storybook for 54 second- and third-grade children. Both reward value and storybook interest were inferred on the basis of individual choices made by each child. (JMB)

Preschool children were asked to participate in an activity of high initial interest, either for its own sake or in order to obtain an extrinsic reward. Children who participated as a means to some ulterior end showed less intrinsic interest in the activity. (SDH)

Differences in measured interests for Psychologists were reflected in differences in their career behavior within their profession. Statistically significant shifts appeared on twelve scales of the Strong Vocational Interest Blank. Increases for the most part were on science occupations, while decreases were on adventurous pursuits, business, or…

The results attained in this study represent a description of personality interest relationships which may be specific to this population with different relationships to be observed in a population of liberal arts students. (Author)