Gender Differences and Roles of Two Science Self-Efficacy Beliefs in Predicting Post-College Outcomes.
Kristy A Robinson1, Tony Perez2, Arianna White-Levatich2
1McGill University.
Journal of Experimental Education
|March 14, 2022
Summary
College students' science self-efficacy beliefs significantly influence career intentions and life satisfaction. Gender differences exist, with females reporting lower academic self-efficacy, potentially contributing to science career gaps.
Area of Science:
- Educational Psychology
- Sociology of Science
- Career Development
Background:
- College graduation marks a critical transition to careers or further education.
- Competence beliefs, including self-efficacy, are crucial for post-graduation decisions.
- Understanding these beliefs is key to addressing gender disparities in science fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the influence of science research self-efficacy and science academic self-efficacy on post-graduation outcomes.
- To investigate gender differences in self-efficacy levels and their impact on career intentions and life satisfaction.
- To explore potential mechanisms behind gender gaps in science careers.
Main Methods:
- Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze relationships between variables.
- Data included prior achievement, self-efficacy beliefs, career intentions, and life satisfaction.
- Multi-group analyses were used to assess gender differences.
Main Results:
- Both science research self-efficacy and science academic self-efficacy positively predicted post-graduation career intentions and life satisfaction.
- Females reported lower science academic self-efficacy compared to males, despite similar prior achievement.
- Structural relationships among variables differed between genders.
Conclusions:
- Self-efficacy beliefs are vital predictors of post-graduation success and satisfaction in science.
- Gender disparities in self-efficacy may contribute to underrepresentation in certain science careers.
- Further research into gender-specific interventions is warranted to promote equity in science.
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