In phase I, we conducted focus groups with Latino 9th graders and their parents in the local community. These groups provided feedback on the development of science motivation and support measures.
In phase II, we conducted a measurement equivalence study in three high schools with over 1,000 ninth grade students. Data collected included information on background characteristics, adolescent science motivational beliefs, academic support by family and friends, friendship networks, future science planning, and extracurricular involvement.
We are currently in phase III. In phase III, we have begun a longitudinal study with 150 Latino families of 9th graders in three communities. We will follow the ninth grader, their parent, and a close older sibling or cousin over the ninth grader’s high school career. Data include a variety of quantitative measures (e.g., science motivation and involvement, family supports and expectations, and cultural values) and qualitative data (e.g., video data of families playing science games, video data of parent and teen talking about career choices). Data is collected from a variety of reporters; data are collected from teenagers, older siblings/cousins, parents, and teachers.