The purpose of this study was to examine the self-efficacy beliefs and attitudes towards general chemistry in a sample of (n = 1,126) first-time, first-year freshmen from a large comprehensive university in the Mid-South. The following research questions were examined: 1) how well do self-efficacy beliefs for general chemistry and attitudes toward chemistry predict intentions to take future chemistry courses?, 2) which is the best predictor of intentions; self efficacy for general chemistry or attitude toward chemistry?, and 3) If other known factors that influence intentions (i.e., past experiences, past performances, and choice of major) were controlled, is self-efficacy for general chemistry and attitude toward chemistry still able to predict a large amount of the variance in intentions to take future chemistry courses? Findings from the regression analyses with statistical significance will be presented and implications for science educators and STEM administrators will be discussed.

Motivating students to persist in general chemistry: A potential solution

245th National Meeting (2013)

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