The causal structure between academic achievement and cognitive, psychological, and facilitative variables during the freshman year in college was studied. Data from 455 freshmen were used in the analysis. Participants completed measures of student goals, facilitative skills, and learning and thinking styles. Pre-college and freshman achievement…

The paper reports the results of a study conducted in one Sydney (Australia) comprehensive high school. Sixty-seven Year 12 and 62 Year 11 students completed a questionnaire package measuring stress responses, goals, and academic self-efficacy. Findings show that 31% of the Year 12 and 25% of the Year 11 students reported symptoms of anxiety,…

This study involves developing a motivational model of college achievement. The predictor variables, which were procrastination tendency, self-efficacy, self-regulation, intrinsic value, outcome value, cognitive strategy, test anxiety, students grade goals, parent grade goals, and grade point average, as well as the criterion variable exam…

This is the fifth in a series of five horse project activity guides for youth. Levels 1-3 focus on "horse-less" activities, while Levels 4 and 5 zero in on riding and horsemanship. Each guide has an achievement program to encourage youth to learn and develop life skills. The assistance of a horse project helper in completing the achievement…

Briefly reviews Albert Bandura's Self-Efficacy Performance Model (ability to perform a task is influenced by an individual's belief in their capability). Tests this model with a sample of 776 university employees and computer-related knowledge and skills. Results supported Bandura's thesis. Includes statistical tables and a discussion of related…

Identifies hindsight bias as the tendency to exaggerate one's ability to have foreseen the outcome of an event after learning the outcome. Describes a class project where students predicted the verdict of the O. J. Simpson trial one week before the verdict and hypothesized a jury response a month later. (MJP)

Examined relationships among young adolescents' motivational processes, use of learning strategies with expository text, and classroom achievement. Found that performance and mastery orientation predicted use of cognitive learning strategies. Adolescents' intrinsic value, but not self-efficacy, predicted use of cognitive and self-regulating…

Used individual case studies as well as cross-case analysis of five middle-level teachers to uncover their personal practical knowledge and their perceptions of how this knowledge influences their decision making, classroom environment, and interpersonal relationships. Found such overarching themes as role clarity, professional commitment,…

Investigated the family as a context for gender typing of adolescent science achievement. Findings indicated no child gender or grade-level differences in science-related grades, self-efficacy, or interest. However, parents were more likely to believe that science was less interesting and more difficult for daughters than sons. Parents' beliefs…

Considers ways that factors in the college environment can negatively affect the performance and perceptions of self-efficacy of students and faculty. Discusses the problems and needs of a fictional science instructor suddenly confronting students unable to understand basic course concepts and of an older student anxious about returning to school.…

Evaluated the effectiveness of interpersonal problem-solving skills training (IPSST) for the treatment of self-poisoning patients. Subjects were assigned randomly either to IPSST or to a control treatment. Although both treatments reduced the number of presenting problems, the IPSST was more effective as determined by other outcome measures. (RJM)

The Student Self-Concept Scale (SSCS) assesses self-efficacy expectations, outcome expectations, and subjective task value across academic, social, and self-image domains. This article discusses the scale's theoretical basis, standardization, reliability, and validity and offers a case study illustrating use of the SSCS with a child who had a…

Advances an important new way to conceptualize and assess the causes of parental behavior by examining how internal working models influence parents' beliefs and behaviors. Suggests that a primary source of parents' feelings of self-efficacy with respect to child rearing, as well as their explanations for their children's misbehavior, is the…

Introduces introductory psychology students to behavioral techniques for reducing anxiety and avoidance behavior through the use of participant modeling. Employs guided participation as a technique to encourage students to touch a snake. Finds this method provides an excellent introduction to behavior therapies and engages students in the learning…

Three studies involving a total of 918 students of above average ability in grades 3 through 8 confirm the importance of self-efficacy in students' decisions to initiate creative productivity and reinforce the value of performance accomplishments for increasing self-efficacy and creative productivity. (SLD)