Self-beliefs and behavior: The role of self-efficacy and outcome expectation over time

Abstract

The present study investigated a self-efficacy based model of mathematical performance, math self-efficacy and outcome expectations. Unlike other studies, the relationship between those self-beliefs, and behavior was measured over a series of behavioral trials. College females took a series of mathematical word problem tests in which they chose the level of problem difficulty and the amount of effort to expand. A path analysis procedure was used to test the relationships based on Bandura's self-efficacy theory. Self-efficacy was, at the beginning of the task, the major contributor to task level choice but it was past behavior that emerged as the primary predictor of future choice. After three trials persistence was related to self-efficacy and previous performance. Implications for further studies and treatment are discussed. A three stage model: transformation, replication and behavioral pattern, was suggested as a means of understanding the dynamic relationship between the beliefs of self-efficacy and outcome expectation, and performance.