Examining Interactions Between Short-Term Self-Efficacy Changes, Repeated Performances, and Perceived Difficulty in a Gateway Course

• In Event: How Motivation Shapes STEM Outcomes in Postsecondary Contexts and Beyond

Abstract

Bandura’s model of reciprocal determinism describes connections between self-efficacy and performance. How perceived difficulty in performance tasks is related to self-efficacy readjustments across learning experiences is not well understood. Furthermore, these changes in self-efficacy are seldom modelled explicitly. Initial self-efficacy, self-efficacy change, performance success, and perceived difficulty were studied across a mathematics gateway course. Participants (n=299) completed a pre-test, four quizzes, corresponding perceived quiz difficulties, and five self-efficacy measures. Changes in self-efficacy were examined using latent change scores in a fully-forward SEM. Initial self-efficacy predicted quizzes positively and perceived difficulty negatively. Self-efficacy change was a salient predictor of performance over smaller decreases and stable self-efficacy. Perceived quiz difficulty negatively predicted self-efficacy change. Several reciprocal relationships suggest theoretical and practical implications.

Authors

• Alex Shum, University of Hong Kong

• Luke K. Fryer, University of Hong Kong