Ability Self-Estimates and Self-Efficacy: Meaningfully Distinct?

Abstract

Conceptual differences between self-efficacy and ability self-estimate scores, used in vocational psychology and career counseling, were examined with confirmatory factor analysis, discriminate relations, and reliability analysis. Results suggest that empirical differences may be due to measurement error or scale content, rather than due to the meaningful reasons of frame of reference or language.

• Campbell Interest and Skill Survey
• Skills Confidence Inventory
• career counseling
• discriminant validity

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Shawn T. Bubany

Shawn T. Bubany, MS, completed a master’s degree in counseling psychology at the University of Kansas and is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Minnesota. His research interests include the measurement of constructs central to the development of career decision-making behavior.

Jo-Ida C. Hansen

Jo-Ida C. Hansen, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Psychology. She directs the University of Minnesota Center for interest Measurement Research and the Vocational Assessment Clinic.