Using agent-based modeling to gain insight into interest development

Abstract

rest development in a single community. Agent-based models are computational tools that can provide insights into dynamics of complex social systems (Macy & Willer, 2002). Consistent with contemporary theories of interest development, we conceptualize interest development as a phenomenon that emerges from young people’s participation in activity and social interactions. Missing from social psychological accounts, however, are detailed accounts of how interest might decline within the population of early adolescents, a fact that is well documented in the literature. Our model seeks to account for a population-level decline as emerging from the interactions of young people with peers and adults in STEM-related free-choice activities. Our model underscores the importance of the theoretical threshold that distinguishes situational from individual interest and the role of encouragement from others in the growth of interest. Because activity participation is related to the growth of interest, lack of encouragement constrains interest, too, to better fit the pattern of interest decline observed in a range of studies. Our model also suggests that increasing co-participation in activities with friends is a potential leverage point for supporting interest development. Our survey and case study data suggest place-based constraints on both these strategies, however: The size of friendship networks and limits on temporal and spatial access to activities must be taken into account in models of interest development.