Science Self-Efficacy: Race/Ethnicity, Sex, and Social Outcome Expectations

• In Event: Understanding Unique and Critical Dimensions of the African and African American Diaspora in Education

Abstract

Drawing on Social Cognitive Career Theory, this study examines the extent to which race, sex, and social outcome expectations predict students' science self-efficacy (SSE). Analyses of data from HSLS:09 (a NCES data set of over 21,000 students from 944 schools) indicate that being female is negatively related to SSE and being African American is positively related to SSE. Social outcome expectations is positively related to SSE, however, this relationship is moderated by students' race and sex. This finding suggests that for Black students, especially Black males, concerns about the potential negative social outcomes associated with dedicating time and effort to study science is less related to their perception of their ability to succeed in science than White students.

Authors

• Iris Wagstaff, North Carolina State University

• Tamara V. Young, North Carolina State University