This investigation predicted ACT‐tested 11th‐ and 12th‐grade students’ intentions to choose science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) college majors and STEM careers using a measure of mathematics beliefs and attitudes based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB; Ajzen, 1991). The TPB states that the best predictor of behavior is the intention to perform that behavior, and intention is influenced by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Students (N = 1,958) from 11th grade (48%) or 12th grade (52%) completed the measure and also indicated their intended college major and career. Results revealed that TPB predicted STEM major and career choice incrementally over a host of additional variables. More specifically, attitude and intention were the most predictive components. Although results were similar for male and female participants, attitudes and interests were somewhat more predictive for female than for male participants. Intervention possibilities and implications for future research were discussed.

中文翻译：

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用计划行为理论预测STEM专业和职业意向

这项调查预测了经过ACT测试的11年级和12年级的学生选择基于计划行为理论（TPB）的数学信念和态度来选择科学，技术，工程和数学（STEM）大学专业和STEM职业的意图; Ajzen，1991）。TPB指出，行为的最佳预测者是执行该行为的意图，而意图受态度，主观规范和感知的行为控制的影响。学生（N11年级（48％）或12年级（52％）的= 1,958）完成了该指标，并指出了他们打算的大学专业和职业。结果显示，TPB通过许多其他变量逐步预测STEM专业和职业选择。更具体地说，态度和意图是最可预测的组成部分。尽管男性和女性参与者的结果相似，但是女性的态度和兴趣比男性参与者更具预测性。讨论了干预的可能性和对未来研究的影响。