ERIC Number: EJ901867
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Nov
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1069-0727
EISSN: N/A
Math and Science Pursuits: A Self-Efficacy Intervention Comparison Study
Cordero, Elizabeth D.; Porter, Sarah H.; Israel, Tania; Brown, Michael T.
Journal of Career Assessment, v18 n4 p362-375 Nov 2010
This study compared two interventions to increase math self-efficacy among undergraduate students. Ninety-nine first-year undergraduate students participated in an intervention involving performance accomplishment or an intervention combining performance accomplishment and belief-perseverance techniques in which participants constructed a rationale for their future success in math/science university courses. As hypothesized, participants in the combined intervention immediately demonstrated higher math self-efficacy than did the Performance-Accomplishment only group; data convey that this effect was sustained at a 6-week follow-up. No differences were found between the groups in interest in technical careers, confidence in successfully completing math/ science courses, and willingness to enroll in math/science courses. Data analyses by gender indicated that male participants but not female participants in the combined intervention immediately demonstrated higher math self-efficacy than their counterparts. Findings suggest that self-persuasion activities may make an important contribution to enhancing math self-efficacy at least for men. Implications for women and future research are discussed. (Contains 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Intervention, Self Efficacy, Mathematics Achievement, Comparative Analysis, Science Achievement, Gender Differences, Career Choice, Enrollment, Science Instruction, Mathematics Instruction, Student Attitudes, Program Effectiveness, Persistence
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A