Self-Efficacy Explains Everything: Roles of Self-Efficacy, Efforts, and GPA in STEM Enrollment

• In Event: 64.047 - Perspectives on Cultivating STEM Aspirations

Abstract

Using the high school longitudinal study database, we examined the relationship between students’ self-efficacy, their efforts, GPA and STEM major consideration in college. Whether students’ efforts and GPA mediate the relationship between self-efficacy and STEM major consideration is tested. The gender differences among the paths are also discussed. Structural equation models include measurement models and path analysis are estimated, and the measurement invariance is tested. The result indicated students’ efforts mediate the relationship between students’ self-efficacy and their math and science GPA significantly in both groups but the direct effects of GPAs and STEM major considerations are significant for both gender groups. The measurement invariance is not hold in this model. Other key findings are discussed.

Authors

• Yixi Wang, The Ohio State University

• Meng-Ting Lo, The Ohio State University