abstract
- Expectancy value is a positive construct that can encourage individual choice, persistence, and achievement. For women in STEM, this variable is critical as they navigate academic challenges and career decisions. The present study aimed to determine the evidence of validity and reliability of a scale to measure expectancy value for women in higher education. To that end, 332 women enrolled in a private university in northern Mexico participated in the study. The mean age of the respondents was 19.77 years, with a standard deviation of 1.55. We implemented the Value-Expectancy STEM Assessment Scale. This scale consists of 15 items that measure the value, interest, and expectation of success that students give to STEM areas. A confirmatory factor model was calculated. A good fit of a two-dimensional model composed of 15 items and acceptable reliability of the dimensions were found. It is concluded that the scale presents evidence of internal validity and reliability appropriate for measuring the construct of Expectancy-Value in STEM areas, even when applied to a specific underrepresented demographic. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.