Self-efficacy expectations and causal attributions for achievement among male and female university faculty

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to extend a theoretical model of research self-efficacy among university faculty by testing the relations between research self-efficacy and research performance and between research self-efficacy and causal attributions for achievement. A further focus of the study was to examine sex differences among university faculty in their research self-efficacy beliefs, frequency of performance of research tasks, and productivity. A sample of university faculty at a large southern university was surveyed. Results provided empirical support for the research self-efficacy model. The relations between research self-efficacy and research productivity and between research self-efficacy and causal attributions were found to be statistically significant. Males reported significantly stronger research self-efficacy beliefs, a greater amount of time spent on research activities, and greater productivity than females. Results were discussed in terms of their relation to theory and previous research.