ERIC Number: EJ1328434
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-0973
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Gender Differences and Roles of Two Science Self-Efficacy Beliefs in Predicting Post-College Outcomes
Robinson, Kristy A.; Perez, Tony; White-Levatich, Arianna; Linnenbrink-Garcia, Lisa
Journal of Experimental Education, v90 n2 p344-363 2022
The end of college is a key transition point when students prepare for the workforce or graduate school, and when competence beliefs that have been shaped throughout college play a particularly important role in decision-making processes. This study examined the roles of two competence beliefs, self-efficacy for scientific tasks and science academic self-efficacy, during the final year of college. A structural equation model was used to examine science research self-efficacy and science academic self-efficacy as predictors of post-graduation science career intentions and life satisfaction; prior achievement was also included as a predictor of competence beliefs and post-graduation outcomes. Findings indicated that both types of self-efficacy predicted career intentions and life satisfaction. To better understand the processes that contribute to gender gaps in certain science careers, gender differences in mean levels of self-efficacy and in the structural relations among the variables of interest were examined using multi-group analyses. Females reported lower academic self-efficacy, despite having similar levels of prior achievement and outcomes; structural relations also appeared to vary by gender. Results extend theoretical understanding of the roles of two distinct forms of self-efficacy and the potential mechanisms explaining gender gaps in science fields.
Descriptors: Gender Differences, Self Efficacy, College Seniors, Scientific Research, Life Satisfaction, Science Careers, Intention, Well Being, Science Achievement
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
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Language: English
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