Exploring computing identity and persistence across multiple groups using structural equation modeling

Abstract

Despite the projected growth of computer and information technology occupations, many computing students fail to graduate. Studying students' self-beliefs is one way to understand persistence in a school setting. This paper explores how students' disciplinary identity sub-constructs including competence/performance, recognition, interest, and sense of belonging contribute to academic persistence. A survey of 1,640 students as part of an NSF grant was conducted at three South Florida metropolitan public universities. A quantitative analysis was performed which included a structural equation model (SEM) and a multigroup SEM. The study examined different groups of students such as male versus female, and freshman versus senior students. Results suggest identity sub-constructs contribute differently to academic persistence among freshman and senior students; however, no significant differences were found between male and female students. The findings, such as the significance of particular aspects of computing identity on academic persistence, can have implications for educators and college administration.