Development and validation of the Multidimensional Interest Development Survey (MIS): an Interest survey measuring phases and components

Abstract

Understanding the multifaceted aspects of interest is crucial for improving engagement and learning. However, adequate measurement tools for this complex construct have been lacking. We conducted two studies to address this gap. Study 1 focused on developing the Multidimensional Interest Development Survey (MIS), capturing diverse interest components and stages. Study 2 aimed to validate the MIS. Study 1 ( n = 277) and Study 2 ( n = 342) involved participants from a private university. In the initial phase, we developed the MIS survey, comprising items reflecting distinct interest components and stages. Subsequently, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed in the second study to confirm the scale’s three-factor structure. Significant differences in interest scores were observed among individuals at different stages, affirming the scale’s sensitivity to developmental nuances in interest. This instrument shows promise for assessing and understanding interest and can inform tailored interventions to enhance engagement and learning.