Introducing a Measure of Perceived Self-Efficacy for Proof (PSEP): Evidence of Validity

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Introducing a Measure of Perceived Self-Efficacy for Proof (PSEP): Evidence of Validity
Language: English
Authors: Shongwe, Benjamin, Mudaly, Vimolan
Source: Journal of Research and Advances in Mathematics Education. Jul 2021 6(3):260-276.
Availability: Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta Department of Education. Ahmad Yani Street, Pabelan Kartasura, Surakarta, Central Java, 57162 Indonesia. Tel: +62-271-717417 ext. 2554; e-mail: jramathedu@ums.ac.id; Web site: http://journals.ums.ac.id/index.php/jramathedu
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2021
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools
Secondary Education
Grade 11
Descriptors: Measures (Individuals), Test Construction, Self Efficacy, Test Validity, Mathematical Logic, Validity, High School Students, Grade 11, Foreign Countries, Factor Analysis, Test Reliability
Geographic Terms: South Africa
ISSN: 2503-3697
Abstract: It is widely recognized that students encounter difficulties with proof across all grades and beyond, yet standardized instruments related specifically to students' perceived self-efficacy for mathematical proof have not been readily available. The purpose of this study was to develop and investigate preliminary validity evidence for a new instrument for measuring self-efficacy for mathematical proof that can be of importance to the field. The new Perceived Self-Efficacy for Proof (PSEP) questionnaire is a self-administered, 8-item questionnaire that quantifies experimentation, conjecturing, inductive reasoning, justification, and validation. To validate the PSEP, two studies with 260 eleventh grade students--recruited from three Dinaledi schools in EThekwini metropolitan area, South Africa--were conducted. In Study 1 (n=128), face and content validity were evaluated, and an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed. In Study 2 (n=132), a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted and external validity was investigated. In both samples, the PSEP was found to possess good internal consistency reliability with relatively high factor loadings on a single component. Although the findings in this report represent preliminary validation evidence, it can be concluded that the PSEP is a valid, reliable and sensitive measure of 11th grade students' perceptions of their ability to construct a proof and may serve as a meaningful outcome in mathematical proof research and classroom proof education.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2022
Accession Number: EJ1322866
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:It is widely recognized that students encounter difficulties with proof across all grades and beyond, yet standardized instruments related specifically to students' perceived self-efficacy for mathematical proof have not been readily available. The purpose of this study was to develop and investigate preliminary validity evidence for a new instrument for measuring self-efficacy for mathematical proof that can be of importance to the field. The new Perceived Self-Efficacy for Proof (PSEP) questionnaire is a self-administered, 8-item questionnaire that quantifies experimentation, conjecturing, inductive reasoning, justification, and validation. To validate the PSEP, two studies with 260 eleventh grade students--recruited from three Dinaledi schools in EThekwini metropolitan area, South Africa--were conducted. In Study 1 (n=128), face and content validity were evaluated, and an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed. In Study 2 (n=132), a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted and external validity was investigated. In both samples, the PSEP was found to possess good internal consistency reliability with relatively high factor loadings on a single component. Although the findings in this report represent preliminary validation evidence, it can be concluded that the PSEP is a valid, reliable and sensitive measure of 11th grade students' perceptions of their ability to construct a proof and may serve as a meaningful outcome in mathematical proof research and classroom proof education.
ISSN:2503-3697