Secondary school students and self-efficacy in mathematics: Gender and age differences

Abstract

Gender differences in academic performance has received considerable attention over the years. Studies have found that even when there are no gender differences in math performance, female students exhibit larger levels of apprehension toward the subject and that this gap between the genders increases with time. This study investigates gender differences in the sources of information that lead to perceived self-efficacy in math and whether the information changes with age. Using items developed by Ellen Usher and Frank Pajares, 347 surveys were collected from six private schools in Lebanon. Confirmatory factor analysis is used to establish the validity of the measurement tool in a non-Western country. A structural component is then introduced into the model to account for age. Results indicate that older girls are more likely to receive negative information from the four sources, thus leading them to develop lower levels of perceived self-efficacy in math. These findings indicate that different socialization processes are at work, thereby providing support for social roles theories.