This study examined factors that have been shown to predict middle school students' (grades 6–8) task values (utility value related to engaging with science in the future). Using structural equation modeling students' (N = 1015) responses to a career aspiration survey were analyzed to determine relationships among the factors. The model of best fit showed that factors related to science capital (Exposure to STEM Practitioners, STEM Experiences, and Tool Access) are key in shaping both students' Science Achievement Value and their Perceptions of Family Task Achievement Value. Further, both Science Achievement Value and Perceptions of Family Science Achievement Value have a direct positive effect on youth Future Science Task Value. These findings document important ways in which youth access and exposure to science experiences, tools, and to scientists lay the groundwork for science motivation and ultimately to valuing future science tasks.

中文翻译：

---

了解科学职业抱负：预测未来科学任务价值的因素

本研究检验了已被证明可以预测中学生（6-8 年级）任务价值（与未来从事科学相关的效用价值）的因素。使用结构方程建模学生的 ( N = 1015) 对职业抱负调查的回答进行了分析，以确定因素之间的关系。最佳拟合模型表明，与科学资本相关的因素（接触 STEM 从业者、STEM 经验和工具获取）是塑造学生科学成就价值和他们对家庭任务成就价值的看法的关键。此外，科学成就价值和家庭科学成就价值认知对青少年未来科学任务价值有直接的积极影响。这些发现记录了青年获取和接触科学经验、工具和科学家的重要方式，为科学动机和最终评估未来科学任务奠定了基础。