Maths self-efficacy predicted STEM career choice in females but not males, though the association was explained by maths achievement after adjustment¶
Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · associationalr2·q3
Currency · newest study 2024 · checked against its sources 2026-10-26 (automated, 1 of 1 entry) · not reviewed by a person
Subclaims¶
Reading the evidence codes
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q3 i? The effect of maths self-efficacy in the unadjusted female model (OR = 1.77) was significantly larger than in the unadjusted male model (OR = 0.98), but was attenuated when accounting for maths achievement. → Ferdinand 2024
Evidence¶
Ferdinand 2024¶
Ferdinand, R., Malanchini, M. & Rimfeld, K. (2024). Mathematics interest, self-efficacy, and anxiety predict STEM career choice in emerging adulthood. npj Science of Learning. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-024-00275-1
q3 · i? · associational · r2
Sex-stratified TEDS regressions comparing unadjusted self-efficacy effects: significant female effect (OR = 1.77), null male effect (OR = 0.98), difference significant (X2 = 4.07, p = 0.043). The article states the female effect was explained by maths achievement levels.
"the effect of maths self-ef ficacy in the unadjusted female model (OR = 1.77, 95% CI [1.20, 2.60]) was larger than the effect observed in the unadjusted male model (OR = 0.98, 95% CI [0.65, 1.50]), and this difference was found to be significant (X2 =4 . 0 7 ,p =0 . 0 4 3 )"
Discussion¶
Related Claims¶
- Males were more than 2.5 times as likely as females to make a STEM career choice in the TEDS sample — related
- Maths anxiety predicted STEM career choice in males but not females, although the sex difference itself was not statistically significant — related
- Maths interest in adolescence is a significant independent predictor of STEM career choice in emerging adulthood, for both males and females, including after adjusting for maths achievement and SES — related
- Female participants reported significantly higher maths anxiety and general anxiety, while males reported higher maths self-efficacy and maths interest — related
- Girls show less confidence and interest in math and science from early adolescence, and a strong math/science self-concept predicts course choice and performance for both genders — related
- Maths anxiety did not independently predict STEM career choice once maths achievement was controlled, though it predicted in the unadjusted joint model — related
- Maths self-efficacy did not independently predict STEM career choice when analysed jointly with maths anxiety and interest — related
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