Mathematics Self-Efficacy, Ethnic Identity, Gender, and Career Interests Related to Mathematics and Science

Abstract

Abstract Four-hundred and fifteen 11th-grade parochial school students were surveyed to assess their mathematics self-efficacy (SE), ethnic identity, and career interests in mathematics and science. Path analysis disclosed a direct effect of gender on students' career interest (CI). In addition, CI was predicted by mathematics SE, and SE was, in turn, influenced by ethnic identity, academic achievement, and socioeconomic status. Educational implications are discussed, and recommendations are made for further study.