While previous studies demonstrated the existence of a ‘gender gap’, according to which girls outperform boys in their scholastic achievement, the reason for these differences is yet unclear. We used structural equation analyses and multiple-group comparisons to determine sex-specific influences of self-reported motivational variables (domain-specific self-perceived abilities, fear of failure) ...

The need for science and engineering workers has raised concerns regarding the persistence of undergraduate students in engineering. Since academic institutions ordinarily provide studentswith feedback on course performance through grades, understanding the role of course grades in influencing student major choice and major switching behavior is critical. This research identifies factors associ...

Teachers' self-efficacy beliefs were examined as determinants of their job satisfaction and students' academic achievement. Over 2000 teachers in 75 Italian junior high schools were administered selfreport questionnaires to assess self-efficacy beliefs and their job satisfaction Students' average final grades at the end of junior high school were collected in two subsequent scholastic years. St...

Students bring to college a value system that affects their levels of academic achievement and persistence. The goal of this project was to develop a self-report inventory that measures the value students place on higher education. The Higher Education Value Inventory (HEVI) surveys students’ attitudes and behaviors in five domains: family expectations, scholastic focus, achievement value, gene...

This was a study of 102 adolescent females, 12-20 years of age, presenting to a central city clinic for medical care. Participants completed an oral questionnaire that included demographics, and questions regarding scholastic history, sexual behavior, and substance use. Each subject completed the Accuracy Level Test (ALT), a reading test. The subject's reading test grade level was subtracted fr...

Average paternal age is increasing in many high income countries, but the implications of this demographic shift for child health and welfare are poorly understood. There is equivocal evidence that children of older fathers are at increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders and reduced IQ. We therefore report here on the relationship between paternal age and a composite indicator of scholast...