Applying Bandura's Theory of Self-Efficacy to the Teaching of Research

Abstract

Concern regarding students' negative attitudes toward research, as well as the impact such negativity can exert on student learning, abound within the social work literature. Given its focus on the role cognition plays in determining behavior, Bandura's self-efficacy model provides a fitting conceptual framework for clarifying how student attitudes might be facilitating or inhibiting their acquisition and use of research skills. This article presents the key concepts and assumptions encompassed within Bandura's theory of self-efficacy and illustrates how these ideas might be applied to the teaching of research.

Key Words:

• Self-efficacy
• research
• teaching strategies
• research anxiety