Mathematics and Science Self-efficacy and STEM Careers: A Path Analysis
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The number of students who are majoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and subsequently entering STEM-related careers is insufficient to fill the growing number of job positions in the STEM job market. Research has shown that students self-efficacy is strongly related to not only students academic performance but also their course selection and future career choices. In the present study, researchers developed, tested, and applied a theoretical model based on previous research to see if there were important connections between students science and mathematics self-efficacy and their interest toward STEM careers. The path analysis results showed a statistical significance between science self-efficacy and STEM career interest. In addition, the path analysis results representing the relationship between mathematics self-efficacy and interest in technology, engineering, and mathematics (TEM) careers showed statistical significance. However, the path analysis results did not indicate a statistical significance between mathematics self-efficacy and interest in science careers.