State-Trait Duality of Self-Efficacy in Mathematical Problem-Posing and Solving: Insights from Chinese Eighth Graders

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Wednesday 3:45pm
  In Poster Session: Motivation, Emotion, and Self-Regulation: Connecting Student Learning and Teacher Practice

Abstract

This study investigates whether self-efficacy functions more as a state-like or trait-like characteristic among 1,767 Chinese eighth-grade students, based on its relationship with mathematical problem-posing and problem-solving. Using Linear Regression Models and Generalized Additive Models, the analysis reveals that task-specific self-efficacy related to posing easy problems emerges as the most robust predictor for students’ problem-posing performance across all difficulty levels and for students’ upper limit, average, and lower limit of performance. In contrast, self-efficacy in solving easy problems demonstrates the highest predictive power only for easy and moderate difficulty levels and for the upper limit and average problem-solving performance. These findings suggest that self-efficacy exhibits characteristics of both a temporary state—shaped by situational factors—and a stable trait—consistent across time and tasks.

Authors

• QIMENG LIU, Beijing Normal University

• Tianxue Cui, Dalian Maritime University

• Jian Liu, Beijing Normal University