STEPS Publications


Books and Special Issues

  • Watt, H. M. G., Jansen, N., & Joukes, G. (Guest Eds.). (2013). 'Gendered pathways towards (and away from) STEM fields'. International Journal of Gender, Science and Technology, 5(3). [weblink]
  • Watt, H. M. G. & Eccles, J. S. (Eds.). (2008). Gender and occupational outcomes: Longitudinal assessments of individual, social and cultural influences. Washington, D.C.: APA Books [promotional flyer and order form] [publisher link] [recent review]
  • Watt, H. M. G. & Eccles, J. S. (Guest Eds.). (2006). 'Understanding women's choice of mathematics and science related careers: Longitudinal studies from four countries'. Educational Research and Evaluation, 12(4).


Journal Articles

  • Lazarides, R. & Watt, H. M. G. (2015). Girls’ and boys’ perceived mathematics teacher beliefs, classroom learning environments and mathematical career intentions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 41, 51-61. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2014.11.005 [pdf available]
  • Watt, H. M. G., Shapka, J. D., Morris, Z. A., Durik, A. M., Keating, D. P., & Eccles, J. S. (2012). Gendered motivational processes affecting high school mathematics participation, educational aspirations, and career plans: A comparison of samples from Australia, Canada, and the United States. Developmental Psychology. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1037/a0027838 [pdf available] [media publicity weblink]
  • Frenzel, A.C., Goetz, T., Pekrun, R., & Watt, H.M.G. (2010). Development of mathematics interest in adolescence: Influences of gender, family and school context. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 20(2), 507-537. [pdf available]
  • Nagy, G., Watt, H.M.G., Eccles, J.S., Trautwein, U., Lüdtke, O., & Baumert, J. (2010). The development of students' mathematics self-concept in relation to gender: Different countries, different trajectories? Journal of Research on Adolescence, 20(2), 482-506. [pdf available]
  • Watt, H.M.G. (2008). A latent growth curve modeling approach using an accelerated longitudinal design: The ontogeny of boys' and girls' talent perceptions and intrinsic values through adolescence. In C. Ding (Ed.), 'Examining individual change: Analyzing longitudinal data through different growth models'. Educational Research and Evaluation, 14(4), 287-304. [pdf available]
  • Watt, H.M.G. & Richardson, P.W. (2008). Motivations, perceptions, and aspirations concerning teaching as a career for different types of beginning teachers. Learning and Instruction, 18, 408-428. [pdf available]
  • Watt, H.M.G. & Richardson, P.W. (2008). Guest editorial: Motivation for teaching. Learning and Instruction, 18,405-407. [pdf available]
  • Richardson, P.W. & Watt, H.M.G. (2008). Career change? Monash Business Review, 4(3), 7 & 9 [pdf available].
  • Watt, H.M.G. & Richardson, P.W. (2007). Motivational factors influencing teaching as a career choice: Development and validation of the ‘FIT-Choice’ Scale. Journal of Experimental Education, 75(3), 167-202. [feature article: pdf available]
  • Watt, H.M.G. (2007). A trickle from the pipeline: Why girls under-participate in maths. Professional Educator, 6(3), 36-41. [pdf available]
  • Watt, H.M.G., Eccles, J.S., & Durik, A. M. (2006). The leaky mathematics pipeline for girls: A motivational analysis of high school enrolments in Australia and the USA. In P. Wynarczyk (Ed.), 'An international investigation into gender inequality in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)'. Equal Opportunities International, 25(8), 642-659. [pdf available] [link to full special issue]
  • Watt, H.M.G. (2006). The role of motivation in gendered educational and occupational trajectories related to math. In H.M.G. Watt & J.S. Eccles (Eds.). ‘Understanding women's choice of mathematics and science related careers: Longitudinal studies from four countries’. Educational Research and Evaluation, 12(4), 305-322. [pdf available]
  • Watt, H.M.G. & Eccles, J.S. (2006). Preface to the special issue. In H.M.G. Watt & J.S. Eccles (Eds.). ‘Understanding women's choice of mathematics and science related careers: Longitudinal studies from four countries’. Educational Research and Evaluation, 12(4), 295-296. [pdf available]
  • Richardson, P.W. & Watt, H.M.G. (2006). Who chooses teaching and why? Profiling characteristics and motivations across three Australian universities. Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education, 34(1), 27-56. [pdf available]
  • Watt, H.M.G. (2005). Explaining gendered math enrollments for NSW Australian secondary school students. In R.W. Larson & L.A. Jensen (Series Eds.) & J.E. Jacobs & S.D Simpkins (Vol. Eds.), 'Leaks in the Pipeline to Math, Science, and Technology Careers', New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development, 110 (Winter), 15-29. [pdf available]
  • Watt, H.M.G. (2005). Exploring adolescent motivations for pursuing maths-related careers. Australian Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology, 5, 107-116. [pdf available]
  • Richardson, P.W. & Watt, H.M.G. (2005). “I’ve decided to become a teacher”: Influences on career change. Teaching and Teacher Education, 21, 475-489. [available online] [pdf available]
  • Watt, H.M.G. (2004). Development of adolescents’ self perceptions, values and task perceptions according to gender and domain in 7th through 11th grade Australian students. Child Development, 75, 1556-1574. [pdf available]
  • Watt, H.M.G. (2002). Exploring adolescent personal and social gender stereotypes about maths: An explanation for continued gender differences in participation? Change: Transformations in Education, 5(2), 39-54. [pdf available]
  • Watt, H.M.G. (2000). Measuring attitudinal change in mathematics and English over the first year of junior high school: A multidimensional analysis. Journal of Experimental Education, 68, 331-361. [pdf available]
  • Watt, H.M.G. & Bornholt, L.J. (2000). Social categories and student perceptions in high school mathematics. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 30, 1492-1503. [pdf available]
  • Dickson, J., Fleet, A., & Watt, H.M.G. (2000). Success or failure in a core University unit: What makes the difference? Higher Education Research and Development, 19, 59-73. [pdf available]
  • Hayes, A. & Watt, H.M.G. (1998). Work and family life: Contemporary realities, current expectations and future prospects. Australian Journal of Early Childhood, 23(3), 33-39. [pdf available]
  • Watt, H.M.G. & Bornholt, L.J. (1994). Gendered perceptions of talent and planned participation in mathematics. Australian Journal of Career Development, 3(3), 43-50. [pdf available]


Book Chapters

  • Watt, H.M.G. (2010). Gender and occupational choice. In J. C. Chrisler & D. R. McCreary (Eds.), Handbook of gender research in Psychology (Ch 16, pp. 379-400). New York: Springer. [pdf available] [weblink]
  • Richardson, P. W. & Watt, H. M. G. (2010). Current and future directions in teacher motivation research (Ch. 5, pp. 139-173). In T. C. Urdan & S. A. Karabenick (Eds.), The decade ahead: Applications and contexts of motivation and achievement; Advances in Motivation and Achievement, Volume 16B. Bingley, U.K.: Emerald. [pdf available]
  • Watt, H.M.G., Richardson, P.W., & Pietsch, J. (2009). Choosing to teach in the “STEM” disciplines: Characteristics and motivations of science, technology, and mathematics teachers from Australia and the United States. In A. Selkirk & M. Tichenor (Eds.), Teacher education: Policy, practice and research. New York: Nova Science Publishers. ISBN: 978-1-60692-506-5 [pdf available] [weblink]
  • Watt, H.M.G. (2008). What motivates females and males to pursue sex-stereotyped careers? (Ch 3, pp. 87-113). In H. M. G. Watt & J. S. Eccles (Eds.), Gender and occupational outcomes: Longitudinal assessments of individual, social, and cultural influences. Washington, D.C.: APA books. [pdf available]
  • Watt, H.M.G. (2008). Gender and occupational outcomes: An introduction. (pp. 3-24). In H. M. G. Watt & J. S. Eccles (Eds.), Gender and occupational outcomes: Longitudinal assessments of individual, social, and cultural influences. Washington, D.C.: APA books. [pdf available]
  • Watt, H.M.G., Richardson, P.W., & Tysvaer, N.M. (2007). Profiles of beginning teachers’ professional engagement and career development aspirations (Ch 10, pp. 155-176). In A. Berry, A. Clemans, & A. Kostogriz (Eds.), Dimensions of professional learning: Professionalism, practice and identity. Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Sense Publishers. [pdf available]
  • Richardson, P.W., Watt, H.M.G., & Tysvaer, N.M. (2007). What motivates people to change out of business-related careers into teaching? (Ch 9, pp. 219-239). In M. F. Ozbilgin & A. Malach-Pines (Eds.). Career choice in management and entrepreneurship - A research companion. Edward Elgar Press. [pdf available] [weblink]


Mentored Student Publications

  • De Alwis, N. & Watt, H. M. G. (2010). Entrepreneurial and other career motivations among Engineering students (Ch 15, pp. 267-280). In A. Malach-Pines & M. F. Özbilgin (Eds.), Handbook of Research on High-Technology Entrepreneurs. Cheltenham, U.K.: Edward Elgar Publishing. [pdf available] [weblink]
  • Hawkins, C.C., Watt, H.M.G., & Sinclair, K.E. (2006). Psychometric properties of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale with Australian adolescent girls: Clarification of multidimensionality and perfectionist typology. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 66(6), 1001-1022. [pdf available]
  • Cocks, R.J. & Watt, H.M.G. (2004). Relationships among perceived competence, intrinsic value and mastery goal orientation in English and Maths. Australian Educational Researcher, 31(2), 81-111. [pdf available]
  • Kritikos, V., Watt, H.M.G., Krass, I., Sainsbury, E.J., & Bosnic-Anticevich, S.Z. (2003). Pharmacy students’ perceptions of their profession relative to other health care professions. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 11, 121-129. [pdf available]
  • Tonkin, S.E. & Watt, H.M.G. (2003). Self-concept over the transition from primary to secondary school: A case study on a program for girls. Issues in Educational Research, 13(2), 27-54. [pdf available]


Invited Presentations


Conference Papers

selection from last 5 years

  • Watt, H. M. G. (2009, April). An expectancy-value approach to teacher motivation: Why choose teaching? Paper presented in symposium 'Motivation for teaching: Utilising diverse motivational theories' (Discussant - Avi Kaplan). Paper presented at the AERA Annual Conference, San Diego, April 13-17, 2009.
  • Watt, H. M. G., & Richardson, P.W. (2008, March). Motivations, perceptions, and aspirations concerning teaching as a career for different types of beginning teachers. Paper presented in Symposium ‘Improving Teacher Quality: What promising insights can be learned from developmental and psychological science?’ (Discussant – Sara Rimm-Kaufman). Paper presented at the AERA annual conference, New York, March 24-28, 2008.
  • Watt, H. M. G., Richardson, P.W., & Pietsch, J. (2007, July). Choosing to teach in the "STEM" disciplines: Characteristics and motivations of Science, ICT, and Mathematics teachers. Paper presented at the MERGA [Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia] Annual Meeting, Hobart, July 2-6, 2007.
  • Watt, H. M. G., Richardson, P.W., & Gilbert, M. (2007, April). Motivations for beginning, aspiring to, or rejecting teaching careers from late adolescence through early adulthood. Paper presented at the AERA Annual Conference, Chicago, April 9-13, 2007.
  • Watt, H. M. G., Richardson, P.W., & Tysvaer, N. (2007, April). Profiles of beginning teachers’ professional engagement and career development aspirations. Paper presented in Symposium 'Beliefs and emotions about becoming and being a teacher' (Discussant – Reinhard Pekrun). Paper presented at the AERA Annual Conference, Chicago, April 9-13, 2007.
  • Watt, H. M. G., & Richardson, P.W. (2007, Nov.). Motivations, perceptions, and aspirations concerning teaching as a career for different types of beginning teachers. Paper presented in Symposium ‘Teaching Choices – Careers, Confidence, Growth and Engagement’. AARE Annual Conference Papers [Paper ID WAT07029], Fremantle, Nov 25-29. ISSN 13249339.
  • Richardson, P.W., Watt, H. M. G., & Pietsch, J. (2007, Nov.). Who chooses to teach in the “STEM” disciplines and why? Paper presented in Symposium ‘Teaching Choices – Careers, Confidence, Growth and Engagement’. AARE Annual Conference Papers [Paper ID RIC07346], Fremantle, Nov 25-29. ISSN 13249339.
  • Watt, H. M. G. (Nov, 2006). The “FIT-Choice” Project: A large-scale and longitudinal study of beginning teachers’ motivations and professional commitment. Paper presented in Symposium ‘The “crisis” of teacher shortages in Australia: What do large-scale and longitudinal research programs tell us?’ (Discussant – Toni Downes). AARE Annual Conference Papers [Paper ID WAT06256], Adelaide, 27-30 Nov 2006. ISSN 13249339.
  • Nagy, G., Watt, H. M. G., Trautwein, U., Lüdtke, O., Eccles, J., & Baumert, J. (July, 2006). The development of students’ mathematics self-concept in relation to gender: Different countries, different trajectories? Paper presented at the 4th International Biennial SELF Research Conference, Ann Arbor MI, 23-27 July 2006.
  • Watt, H. M. G. (April, 2006). Change in teacher efficacy beliefs and student self-, task- & value-related maths motivations during the junior high transition. Paper presented in Symposium ‘Comparative Statistical Models for Understanding the Impact of Teacher Efficacy on Student Motivation over Time’ (Discussant – Jacquelynne Eccles). Paper presented at the AERA Annual Conference, San Francisco, April 8-12, 2006.
  • Watt, H. M. G., Richardson, P.W., & Moje, E.B. (April, 2006). More than reading books:  Examining the range of adolescent literacy and relationships to academic and social well-being. Paper presented in Symposium 'Youth Literacy Motivations, Practices, and Achievement Across Time, Space, and Communities' (Discussant - David G. O'Brien). Paper presented at the AERA Annual Conference, San Francisco, April 8-12, 2006.
  • Moje, E.B., Watt, H. M. G., & Tysvaer, N. (April, 2006). Understanding youth as whole beings: An examination of the place of literacy in relation to other activities and identities. Paper presented in Symposium 'Youth Literacy Motivations, Practices, and Achievement Across Time, Space, and Communities' (Discussant - David G. O'Brien). Paper presented at the AERA Annual Conference, San Francisco, April 8-12, 2006.
  • Hawkins, C.C., Watt, H. M. G., & Sinclair, K.E. (April, 2006). Perfectionism: Clarification of multidimensionality and perfectionist typology using the 'Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale'. Paper presented at the AERA Annual Conference, San Francisco, April 8-12, 2006.


Thesis Completions

  • Attribution and motivation: A cultural study among Native and Chinese Indonesian university students (Novita W. Sutantoputri, 2012, PhD, Monash)
  • Coping patterns and goal achieving behaviour in the perfectionist. (Yvonne Toh 2011, PhD, Monash)
  • How mathematics motivations and their social antecedents impact girls' senior high school and career choices related to mathematics (Caroline Findlay 2011, MPsych, Monash, co-supervised with Dr Leonie Kronborg)
  • Perception shapes experience: The influence of actual and perceived classroom environment dimensions on girls' motivations for science (Juliette Spearman 2010, MPsych, Monash)
  • Factors affecting immigrant students' academic motivation and achievement (Emina Mehic 2010, MPsych, Monash)
  • Effects of gender and gender role orientation on high school students' teaching perceptions and aspirations in Hong Kong (Wai Shan Ku 2009, MPsych, Monash)
  • An investigation into the effects of positive psychology constructs and personality factors on student academic achievement and well-being (Nicole Luzza 2009, MPsych, Monash)
  • The nature of perfectionism and its academic implications for secondary school students (Colleen Hawkins, co-supervised with Assoc Prof Ken Sinclair, conferred 2005, PhD, USyd).
  • Motives for choosing to become a teacher, and for choosing Sydney University for the Bachelor of Education degree (Penny Anastasiou 2002, BEd Hons, USyd)
  • The impact of gifted and talented programs on students' academic self-concept (Karyn Tate 2001, BEd Hons, USyd)
  • Transition from primary to secondary school: A case study on the use of transition programs (Susanne Tonkin 2001, MTeach Hons, USyd) [view mentored publication here]
  • Self-perceptions of academic competence: How they develop and how they relate to intrinsic motivation for learning in English and Maths for Year Six students (Rachel J Cocks 2001, BEd Hons, USyd) [view mentored publication here]
  • Social relationships of the gifted and talented: Patterns of peer acceptance, friendship, friendship quality, loneliness and social satisfaction among gifted and talented students at the upper primary level (John H R Williams 2000, BEd Hons, USyd)
  • A comparison of single-sex and coeducational school students' views of the opposite sex (Justin Langley 2000, MTeach Hons, USyd)
  • Self-efficacy as a contribution to the selection of career choices: A path analysis (Huy Phan 1997, BEd Hons, USyd, co-supervised with Dr Richard Walker)