Self-Efficacy, Locus of Control and Engagement as Determinants of Grades in a Principles of Marketing Class

Abstract

Students’ academic performance is usually evaluated by the final grade in a course. There have been limited studies evaluating psychological student traits directly related to academic performance. This study explores self-efficacy, locus of control, and student engagement as they relate to the final grade in the principles of marketing course. The research found that self-efficacy has a direct and positive effect on academic engagement, cognitive engagement and locus of control with self-efficacy being more strongly associated with an internal locus of control. Self-efficacy, engagement, and locus of control were all found to have a positive relationship with the final grade of the course.