Self-Efficacy Scale Psychometrics among Malaysian Undergraduates
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Psychometric Properties of the Self-Efficacy Scale among Undergraduate Students in Malaysia
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:
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Liu Kien Ting, Garry Kuan, Wan Nor Arifin, Kueh Yee Cheng
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Psychometric Properties of the Self-Efficacy Scale among Undergraduate Students in Malaysia
Year: 2019 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.3.10
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Self-efficacy (SE) refers to an individual's belief in their ability to perform a task and achieve favorable outcomes despite facing challenges. This study aimed to validate and ensure the reliability of a self-efficacy scale among undergraduate students at the Health Campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, 562 students participated in the research through a self-administered questionnaire that assessed their beliefs related to physical activity.
Summary of One Important Concept: Validity and Reliability of the SE Scale
The study highlighted the importance of confirming the validity and reliability of the self-efficacy scale developed by Bandura, which originally included 18 items across three factors: internal feeling, competing demands, and situational context. After conducting a confirmatory factor analysis, six problematic items were removed, resulting in a refined 12-item scale. The final model exhibited satisfactory fit indices, with acceptable composite reliability values ranging from 0.652 to 0.841 across the three factors, indicating that the scale is a valid and reliable measure for assessing exercise-related self-efficacy in the Malaysian undergraduate population.
Conclusion
The simplified 12-item self-efficacy scale proved to have good psychometric properties and is deemed suitable for measuring confidence in initiating and maintaining exercise among university students. The findings suggest that individuals with higher self-efficacy are more likely to engage in physical activity despite potential obstacles. The study calls for further validation of the scale across different educational settings and demographic groups to enhance its applicability and effectiveness in promoting physical activity behaviors.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is self-efficacy (SE) and its importance?
Self-efficacy (SE) refers to an individual's belief in their ability to perform tasks and achieve goals despite challenges. It is crucial for motivation and determination, significantly influencing exercise behavior and lifestyle choices.
How was the study on SE conducted at Universiti Sains Malaysia?
The study utilized a cross-sectional design with a self-administered questionnaire among 562 undergraduate students at the Health Campus. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to validate the SE scale and assess its reliability.
What were the key findings regarding the SE scale?
The final SE scale was simplified to 12 items and demonstrated good fit indices. The three factors showed acceptable composite reliability, indicating that the scale is a reliable tool for measuring self-efficacy in physical activity.
What limitations were noted in this SE study?
The study's findings may not be generalizable to all universities due to its focus on one institution. Additionally, the study relied solely on self-reported data, which may introduce biases influencing the reliability of the responses.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Self-Efficacy Scale Psychometrics among Malaysian Undergraduates”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Table:
A table is a systematic arrangement of data, typically presented in rows and columns. It facilitates easy comprehension and comparison of information, ensuring that research findings, such as demographic variables or statistical results, are clearly organized for effective presentation in academic papers and reports, enhancing reader understanding.
2) Study (Studying):
A study is a detailed examination and analysis of a particular subject or phenomenon. In the context of research, it refers to systematic investigations aimed at discovering new information or validating existing knowledge. This may involve methodologies such as surveys, experiments, or observational techniques, leading to conclusions that contribute to the field.
3) Activity:
Activity refers to the actions or tasks individuals engage in, particularly in relation to physical movement or exercise. In the context of this study, it pertains to physical activity behaviors, which are crucial for understanding self-efficacy and health outcomes among the population. It examines the frequency and type of engagement in such activities.
4) Reliability:
Reliability is the consistency and stability of a measurement tool or scale over time. It indicates the extent to which the results obtained from a specific instrument yield the same outcomes under consistent conditions. High reliability is essential in research to ensure that findings can be trusted and generalized.
5) Measurement:
Measurement is the process of quantifying variables using established tools or instruments. In research, accurate measurement is crucial for assessing the constructs being studied. This could involve self-report surveys or observational techniques, ensuring that data collected reflect true values, facilitating meaningful analysis in psychological and behavioral research.
6) Composite:
Composite refers to something that is made up of various parts or components. In statistical contexts, composite measures aggregate several variables into a single score or indicator, enhancing the capacity to summarize complex data. This is particularly useful for assessing multifaceted constructs like self-efficacy in health research.
7) Family:
Family pertains to groups of individuals who are connected by blood, marriage, or legal ties. In psychological research, family dynamics can significantly influence individual behaviors and attitudes, including those related to health and exercise. This term also appears in discussions about social support and its effects on self-efficacy.
8) Campu:
While seemingly a typo for 'Campus', it refers to the physical grounds of an educational institution. The campus is vital for studies involving students, as it encompasses the environment where education and extracurricular activities occur. Research conducted on a campus setting affects the applicability of findings to similar educational contexts.
9) Pur:
Poor indicates a deficiency or lack, whether in quality, quantity, or effectiveness. In research contexts, poor refers to inadequate results or unsatisfactory measurements, such as poor fit indices in statistical models. Recognizing poor data helps researchers understand limitations and improve methodologies for more rigorous studies.
10) Language:
Language is a structured system of communication using symbols, words, and gestures. In research, language plays a critical role, especially in questionnaires and scales designed to measure constructs like self-efficacy. Effective translation into different languages ensures comprehensibility and accuracy of responses across diverse populations.
11) Disease:
Disease refers to a pathological condition of the body or mind that significantly disrupts normal functioning. In health-related research, understanding diseases is crucial for determining their impact on behaviors and psychological states. Research may focus on disease prevalence, management strategies, and behavioral interventions related to physical activity.
12) Rules:
Rules are established guidelines or principles that dictate how something operates. In research, rules may refer to ethical guidelines or statistical conventions governing study design and analysis. Adhering to these rules ensures integrity and validity in research findings, maintaining the trustworthiness of results presented to the scientific community.
13) Jang:
Jang likely refers to either a researcher or a citation in this context. Research often builds on previous studies, and identifying authors like Jang highlights contributions to the academic dialogue, particularly in specific areas like self-efficacy. This demonstrates collaboration and foundation upon which new research is constructed.
14) Hair:
Hair refers to a researcher whose work, particularly in multivariate analysis, may provide important insights or methodologies applicable in psychological research. Mentioning Hair signifies the relevance of their contributions in the context of statistical analysis and enhancing understanding of complex data through robust analytical techniques.
15) Japa:
Japa appears as a potential typo or abbreviation in the context, possibly referring to a place, group, or researcher associated with the study. In research documentation, clarity around such terms is important as they contribute context and credibility to the analysis, ensuring readers understand the study's background.
16) Rice (Rce):
Rice, in this context, may refer to a researcher or a key figure whose work contributes to the academic foundation on which the study is built. Acknowledging figures like Rice underscores collaboration and integration of diverse expertise in research, particularly in domains like health psychology and self-efficacy.
17) Male:
Male refers to the gender designation typically associated with boys and men. In research, understanding gender distributions among study participants is crucial, as gender may influence physical activity levels, psychological constructs and efficacy beliefs. Gender analysis can provide insight into varying experiences and behaviors within the study population.
18) Performance:
Performance indicates the execution or accomplishment of a task or behavior. In research related to self-efficacy, understanding performance levels among participants is essential, as higher self-efficacy is often linked to better performance in tasks, including physical activity. Analyzing factors affecting performance provides insights into motivation and behavioral change.
19) Discussion:
Discussion sections in research papers serve to interpret findings and contextualize results within broader academic conversations. They highlight implications, limitations, and areas for future research, offering critical insights into the study's relevance. A well-developed discussion adds depth to the report and engages the reader in understanding the implications of the findings.
20) Depression:
Depression is a common mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. In exercise and health research, depression is often a significant factor influencing self-efficacy and activity levels. Understanding its impact helps formulate strategies to improve mental health through enhanced physical activity interventions.
21) Learning:
Learning refers to the process of acquiring knowledge or skills through experience, study, or being taught. In psychological research, understanding learning processes is crucial for explaining how individuals adapt their self-efficacy based on past experiences, making it a relevant construct in studies aiming to promote healthier behaviors through education and support.
22) Anxiety:
Anxiety is a mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and fear. In research contexts, anxiety can negatively affect physical activity levels and self-efficacy. Understanding the relationship between anxiety and exercise behaviors is vital for developing targeted interventions that assist individuals in managing anxiety while promoting regular physical activity.
23) Filling (Filled):
Filled indicates completion or occupancy of space, often referring to surveying or completing questionnaires in research settings. Ensuring that surveys are 'filled' appropriately by respondents is essential for gathering accurate data. Completion status can vastly influence the quality of data analysis and subsequent findings reported in the study.
24) Doubt:
Doubt refers to a feeling of uncertainty regarding a belief or action. In the context of self-efficacy, doubt can significantly hinder an individual's willingness to engage in tasks. Understanding how doubt influences behavior is crucial for interventions aimed at enhancing self-efficacy and encouraging physical activity participation.
25) Fear:
Fear is an emotional response to perceived threats or danger. In physical activity contexts, fear can act as a barrier to participation, discouraging individuals from engaging in exercise or other activities. Examining fear's impact is crucial for designing effective interventions that address this barrier, enhancing overall physical and psychological well-being.
26) Post:
Post generally refers to an occurrence after an event, often indicating follow-up assessments or studies. In research, post-study analysis can yield insights into the effectiveness of interventions implemented, such as physical activity programs. Evaluating post-participation behaviors and outcomes solidifies understanding of the research's impact on target behaviors.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Self-Efficacy Scale Psychometrics among Malaysian Undergraduates’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Physical activity, Female student, Future research, Educational level, Conflict of interest, Gender, Research purpose, Expert opinion, Positive emotions, Data analysis, Quantitative method, Purposive Sampling Method, Statistical Significance, Ethical consideration, Study sample, Test-retest reliability, Study design, Cross-sectional study, Self efficacy, Study participants, Psychometric properties, Cardiac patients, Confounding variables, Self-administered questionnaire, Factor analysis, Quantitative Data, Purposive Sampling, Internal Consistency, Demographic information, Social cognitive theory, Behavioral intention, Confidence level, Undergraduate students, Study Limitation, Exercise self-efficacy, Likert-type scale, Generalizability, Goodness of fit, Psychological construct, Latent variable, Competing demand, Socio-demographic characteristic.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.
Study, Scale, Internal feeling, Method.