Pourquoi les étudiants de régions rurales montrent des aspirations scolaires plus faibles que ceux provenant de régions urbaines? Une explication basée sur une perspective motivationnelle et relationnelle

Tableau d’honneur de la Faculté des études supérieures et postdoctorales, 2007-2008.Plusieurs études démontrent que les étudiants des régions éloignées ont moins d’aspirations scolaires que ceux des villes (Arnold et al., 2005). Nous tentons de compléter l’étude des déterminants des aspirations à l’aide de la théorie de l’autodétermination (Deci & Ryan, 1985). Notre modèle motivationnel propose que comparativement aux étudiants urbains, ceux des régions vivent plus de problèmes sur le plan des ressources motivationnelles, ce qui mène à des aspirations plus faibles. Tel que postulé, les résultats indiquent que les étudiants des régions éloignées ont des aspirations scolaires plus faibles. Paradoxalement, ils rapportent une motivation scolaire plus élevée. Les aspirations ne semblent pas associées aux ressources motivationnelles; elles sont plutôt liées au revenu et aux aspirations des parents de même qu’à la moyenne cumulative des étudiants. Les résultats sont discutés en fonction de la théorie de l’autodétermination et de la littérature portant sur l’éducation rurale et les aspirations scolaires.Several studies indicate that rural students have lower educational aspirations than urban ones (Arnold et al., 2005). We used a Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985) framework to better understand the educational aspirations. Our motivational model posits that rural students comparatively to urban ones, experience disturbances in motivational resources, which lead to lower levels of educational aspirations. As hypothesized, results indicated that rural students have lower educational aspirations than urban ones. In contrast to our initial contentions, rural students report higher levels of motivation (self-determined and controlled). Furthermore, results from structural equation modeling showed that educational aspirations do not seem to be affected by motivational resources but are rather influenced by parental incomes, parental educational aspirations for their children and the student’s achievement scores. Results are discussed in light of Self-Determination Theory and the literature on rural education and educational aspirations

Mixture modeling for lifespan developmental research

As part of the Generalized Structural Equation Modeling framework, mixture models are person-centered analyses seeking to identify distinct subpopulations, or profiles, of participants differing quantitatively and qualitatively from one another on a configuration of indicators and/or relations among these indicators. Mixture models are typological (resulting in a classification system), probabilistic (each participant having a probability of membership into all profiles based on prototypical similarity), and exploratory (the optimal model is typically selected based on a comparison of alternative specifications) in nature, and can take different forms. Latent profile analyses seek to identify subpopulations of participants differing from one another on a configuration of indicators and can be extended to factor mixture analyses allowing for the incorporation of latent factors to the model. In contrast, mixture regression analyses seek to identify subpopulations of participants’ differing from one another in terms of relations among profile indicators. These analyses can be extended to the multiple-group and/or longitudinal analyses, allowing researchers to conduct tests of profile similarity across different samples of participants or time points, and latent transition analyses can be used to assess probabilities of profiles transition over time among a sample of participants (i.e., within person stability and change in profile membership). Finally, growth mixture analyses are built from latent curve models and seek to identify subpopulations of participants following quantitatively and qualitatively distinct trajectories over time. All of these models can accommodate covariates, used either as predictors, correlates, or outcomes, and can even be extended to tests of mediation and moderation

Persévérance aux études de doctorat (Ph. D.) : modèle prédictif des intentions d'abandon

Tableau d’honneur de la Faculté des études supérieures et postdoctorales, 2013-2014.Malgré une importante augmentation des effectifs universitaires de 3e cycle dans la plupart des pays de l’OCDE, les taux de diplomation demeurent faibles, estimés entre 40 et 60% pour les canadiens et les américains. À notre connaissance, les recherches qui portent attention à la persévérance aux études de doctorat sont insuffisantes et les modèles théoriques proposés pour étudier ce phénomène sont difficiles à opérationnaliser et par conséquent ont fait l’objet de très peu d’études empiriques. S’appuyant sur la théorie de l’autodétermination (Deci & Ryan, 1985, 2012a, 2012b), cette thèse a pour objectif général d’offrir une meilleure compréhension de la persévérance aux études de doctorat. Celle-ci comporte deux articles. Le premier article vise l’élaboration et la validation de l’Échelle de motivation aux études de doctorat, qui évalue cinq types de motivation (intrinsèque, intégrée, identifiée, introjectée et externe). Les résultats des deux études (N = 244 et N = 1061) soutiennent la structure factorielle de l'échelle, sa fidélité et sa validité convergente et discriminante. Le deuxième article a pour objectif l’élaboration et la validation d’un modèle des intentions d’abandonner les études de doctorat. Le modèle postule que la perception de compétence diminue les intentions d'abandon. Pour sa part, la perception de compétence est expliquée par les motivations autodéterminée et contrôlée qui, en retour, sont prédites par le soutien offert par le directeur de recherche, le corps professoral et les autres étudiants de cycles supérieurs en ce qui a trait aux besoin psychologiques de l’étudiant. Deux études ont été réalisées dans cet article : 1) une étude rétrospective comparative entre des étudiants non persévérants et des étudiants diplômés (N = 422) et 2) une étude prospective évaluant les intentions d’abandon chez des étudiants inscrits sur deux sessions et (N = 1060). Dans l’ensemble, les résultats des deux études convergent et soutiennent le modèle proposé. Plus précisément, la perception de compétence semble être la pierre angulaire de la persévérance aux études de doctorat, étant prédite par les motivations autodéterminée et contrôlée et le soutien du directeur de recherche. Les implications théoriques, méthodologiques et pratiques sont abordées et des pistes de recherches futures sont proposées.In most OECD countries, there is a significant increase in doctoral studies enrollment. Nevertheless, completion rates remain low and are estimated between 40 and 60% for Canadians and Americans. To our knowledge, there is a lack of research on doctoral student’s persistence and available theoretical models to comprehend this phenomenon are difficult to operationalize. Based on self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985, 2012a, 2012b), the purpose of this dissertation is to provide a general understanding of doctoral studies persistence. It includes two articles. The first article aims to develop and validate a scale to assess five types of regulation (intrinsic, integrated, identified, introjected, and external) toward PhD studies. Results of two studies (N = 244 and N = 1061) support the scale’s reliability, factor structure, and convergent and discriminant validity. The purpose of the second article is to develop and validate a predictive model of dropout intentions. This model posits that perceived competence decreases dropout intentions, and that perceived competence is explained by autonomous and controlled regulations, which are in turn predicted by perceived psychological needs support provided by the student’s advisor, faculties as well as other graduate students. A two-step approach was used: 1) a retrospective comparison of completers and noncompleters (N = 422), and 2) a prospective examination of enrolled PhD students over two semesters to assess dropout intentions (N = 1060). Overall, the findings of the two studies are similar and support the proposed model. Specifically, perceived competence appears to be the cornerstone of doctoral studies persistence intentions, and is predicted mainly by autonomous and controlled regulations and advisor support. Theoretical, methodological, and practical implications are discussed and directions for further research are proposed

Academic self-concept, autonomous academic motivation, and academic achievement : mediating and additive effects

Three conceptual models were tested to examine the relationships among academic self-concept, autonomous academic motivation, and academic achievement. This allowed us to determine whether 1) autonomous academic motivation mediates the relation between academic self-concept and achievement, 2) academic self-concept mediates the relation between autonomous academic motivation and achievement, or 3) both motivational constructs have an additive effect on academic achievement. A total of 925 high school students (404 boys and 521 girls) were asked to complete a questionnaire on two occasions separated by a year interval. Results from SEM analyses provided good support for the hypothesized model positing that autonomous academic motivation mediates the academic self-concept–academic achievement relation. Results are discussed in light of self-determination theory and self-concept theory

Validation d’un modèle motivationnel des aspirations professionnelles

Cette étude évalue un modèle motivationnel des aspirations professionnelles et vérifie sa validité selon le sexe des étudiants. Un total de 582 cégépiens (63 % de sexe fémi‐ nin) ont rempli un questionnaire évaluant chacune des variables du modèle. Cinq mois plus tard, les  participants ont rempli une échelle d’aspirations professionnelles. Les résultats indiquent, entre autres, que les notes et la perception d’appartenance au cégep prédisent positivement les perceptions de compétence des étudiants. En retour, ces perceptions de compétence sont associées à la motivation autodéterminée qui, à son tour, prédit positivement les aspirations professionnelles. Ces résultats se sont avérés les mêmes pour les filles et les garçons.  We evaluate a motivational model of occupational aspirations and verify its validity with both men and women students from Collège dʹenseignement général et profes‐ sionnel (CÉGEP). A total of 582 students (63% female) filled out a questionnaire eval‐ uating each of the model’s variables. The participants were assessed five months later using an occupational aspiration scale. Results show that grades and a feeling of be‐ longing at CEGEP are positive predictors of students’ perception of competence. These perceptions of competence are in turn associated with selfdetermined motiva‐ tion, which then positively predicts occupational aspirations. Similar results were obtained with both males and females

Generalizability of achievement goal profiles across five cultural groups : more similarities than differences

Previous results have shown possible cultural differences in students’ achievement goals endorsement and in their relations with various predictors and outcomes. In this person-centered study, we sought to identify achievement goal profiles and to assess the extent to which these configurations and their associations with predictors and outcomes generalize across cultures. We used a new statistical approach to assess latent profile similarities across adolescents from five cultural backgrounds (N = 2643, including Non-Indigenous Australians, Indigenous Australians, Indigenous American, Middle Easterners, and Asians). Our results supported the cross-cultural generalizability of the profiles, their predictors, and their outcomes. Five similar profiles were identified in each cultural group, but their relative frequency differed across cultures. The results revealed advantages of exploring multidimensional goal profiles

Validation d’un modèle motivationnel des aspirations professionnelles

Cette étude évalue un modèle motivationnel des aspirations professionnelles et vérifie sa validité selon le sexe des étudiants. Un total de 582 cégépiens (63 % de sexe féminin) ont rempli un questionnaire évaluant chacune des variables du modèle. Cinq mois plus tard, les participants ont rempli une échelle d’aspirations professionnelles. Les résultats indiquent, entre autres, que les notes et la perception d’appartenance au cégep prédisent positivement les perceptions de compétence des étudiants. En retour, ces perceptions de compétence sont associées à la motivation autodéterminée qui, à son tour, prédit positivement les aspirations professionnelles. Ces résultats se sont avérés les mêmes pour les filles et les garçons

Adjustment trajectories during the college transition : types, personal and family antecedents, and academic outcomes

This longitudinal study was aimed to describe and understand student adjustment trajectories during the college transition. Participants came from a large random sample of Quebec high school students. They completed a multidimensional measure of adjustment at two times before entering college and at two other times after college admission. Group-based trajectory analysis showed decreased adjustment for 6% (social adjustment) to 66.1% (academic adjustment) of students over this period, versus improved adjustment for 4.5% (social adjustment) to 11.6% (emotional and academic adjustment). All changes were linear, suggesting progressive changes from Secondary 4 to the second year of college. Multivariate and contingency analyses showed that personal anxiety, academic success, and attention problems in high school were significant determinants for adjustment trajectories, and that these trajectories were subsequently related to perseverance and college graduation

Achievement goal profiles among adolescent males and females.

Achievement goal theory has long been a dominant model in the study of student motivation. However, a relatively small number of researchers have investigated gender differences in achievement goals or have considered the possible role that social and extrinsic goals may play in student academic motivation. Adopting a person-centered multiple goals perspective based on personal investment theory, this longitudinal study investigated whether males and females shared similar goal profiles, and whether the predictors (facilitating conditions) and outcomes (learning processes, task perseverance, and future aspirations) of these profiles were equivalent across genders. Profiles were extracted from 8 types of academic goals, based on a large sample of Hong Kong high school students (N 7,848). Findings revealed 5 distinctive profiles for both males and females. Although the relative size of these profiles differed across samples of male and female students, the results show that 4 of these profiles were mostly equivalent across genders. Predictors of membership into these profiles were also equivalent across genders, whereas their relative outcomes were specific to gender