Understanding Expectancy-Value Theory’s Cost Construct via Multidimensional Scaling

This study explored educational cost using a multidimensional scaling approach. Undergraduates rated how similar 11 items on task value and cost were with one another. Results show that cost has two dimensions, each consisting of two clusters. In one dimension, cost is separated from task value components; in the other, cost is clustered with task value components. Findings imply nuances of cost in the context of goal theory, motivation, and emotion

What is an academic emotion? Insights from Filipino bilingual students’ emotion words associated with learning

We explored Filipino learners’ concept of academic emotions by studying the words they use to describe their emotional experiences associated with learning. Two main theoretical frames were used as reference in the analysis: Clore, Ortony, & Foss’ (1978) taxonomy of emotion words, and Pekrun’s (2006) dimensions of academic emotions. We asked Filipino learners to describe the positive and negative emotions that they associate with their learning experiences using an open ended questionnaire. The 676 students used 1337 words which were classified into root word categories; 38 categories which were mentioned by at least 1% of the participants were included in the analysis. The interpretive analysis suggested that Filipino learners’ concept of academic emotions includes appraisals of cognitive and even physical conditions, beyond the typical affective conditions assumed in theories of emotions and academic emotions. Moreover, Filipino learners’ concepts of academic emotions include a wider range of emotion concepts, and may require additional characteristic dimensions, compared to what is being studied in current academic emotions research. © 2009, National Academy of Psychology (NAOP) India