The Strength From Within: A Phenomenological Pilot Study Examining the Role of Self-Efficacy in the Academic Success of African American Women in Doctoral Studies

• In Event: 72.065 - Roundtable Session 30
  In Roundtable Session: 72.065-1 - Rethinking Multicultural Doctoral Experiences

Abstract

This phenomenology pilot study examines the role of self-efficacy in the academic lives of two African American female doctoral students at a predominantly white, research institution in the Midwest. Findings suggest that the success of these students were attributed to faculty relationships, peer relationships, engagement in the community, family relationships, and a welcoming & supportive environment. Challenges to success included dissertation committee dynamics, uninvolved faculty advisors, and not having a research direction or question, feeling isolated, and not asking for help. Self-efficacy was used to help understand these experiences and suggest that the participant’s approach to completing difficult tasks was varied and depended on multiple variables.

Author

• Deniece Dortch, University of Wisconsin - Madison