Table 5 Emergent themes related to interest development
Construct | Theory-driven codes | interview emergent subthemes |
|---|---|---|
Interest development | Interest can be seen as an intrinsic force that motivates the seeking of knowledge for its own sake. Interest can be thought of as a natural predisposition to engage with particular ideas, activities or physical objects. Children have the ability to sustain an interest in conceptual domains when exposed to particular concepts in childhood. | Early experience or interaction with a career field leads to interest development. Influence of a sibling’s participation in a science or mathematics event as an early interest trigger. Access to early experiences with tools as both developing interest and motivation. Access to a family member in STEM or STEM education has served as a motivating role model. |