Research Self-Efficacy Stability Over Time: Considering the Experiences of Underrepresented Minority (URM), Women, and First-Generation Doctoral Students

• In Event: 63.087 - Sheraton Roundtable Session 11 - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 63.087-1 - Graduate Student Socialization

Abstract

Developing research self-efficacy is an important part of doctoral preparation. Despite the documented importance of research self-efficacy, little is known about doctoral students’ research self-efficacy in general and for students from underrepresented groups. This study examined the stability of research self-efficacy over four years, focusing on doctoral students in biological sciences (N = 332). An autoregressive path analysis was evaluated to determine the predictive power of research self-efficacy across eleven academic terms. The analysis was evaluated across gender, underrepresented minority (URM) status, and first-generation status. Results show a decrease in predictive power between the spring and summer terms of students' second year. The decrease is greater for URM and first-generation students. Additional results, future directions, and practical implications are discussed.

Authors

• Kaylee Litson, Utah State University

• Jennifer M Blaney, Northern Arizona University

• David F. Feldon, Utah State University