Showing papers on "Reciprocal determinism published in 2010"

Self-Efficacy and Performance in Mathematics: Reciprocal Determinism in 33 Nations.

Abstract: Reciprocal determinism is a central premise of Bandura's (1986) social cognitive theory. Studies of the relationship between self-beliefs and performance tend to draw on this or related theories and usually endorse the notion of reciprocal determinism at a substantive-theoretical level. However, attempts to model this postulated mutual influence of self-beliefs and performance are few and are focused on the relationship between self-concept and performance. The reciprocal determinism of self-efficacy and performance seems to be without direct empirical support, probably because the longitudinal, repeated-measures data often considered necessary for this purpose are not available. It is possible, though, to model reciprocal effects with cross-sectional data. In the analyses reported in this article, the authors achieved this using a structural equation model in which the mutual influence of self-efficacy and performance in mathematics is represented as a feedback loop. This model was estimated in each of 33 nations on the basis of data on the mathematics self-efficacy and mathematics achievement of 15-year-olds. The model was a good fit to the data in 30 nations and was supportive of reciprocal determinism in 24 of these, suggesting a fundamental psychological process that transcends national and cultural boundaries.

Self-Efficacy Beliefs

Abstract: This article describes the nature of the self-efficacy beliefs of individuals. Following a brief overview of social cognitive theory, we define self-efficacy and show how it is embedded within a theory of personal and collective agency that helps regulate human well-being and attainment. Self-efficacy is distinguished from related conceptions of personal competence, and the sources and effects of self-efficacy beliefs are identified. We trace the familial, social, and educational influences on self-efficacy development, and conclude with an overview of empirical results that address the relationship between self-efficacy beliefs and academic motivation and achievement.

Factors Influencing a Learner's Decision to Drop-Out or Persist in Higher Education Distance Learning

Abstract: Previous studies conducted on dropouts within online courses have found inconsistent factors affecting attrition. A literature review was performed, focusing on eight main studies. These studies were performed at both national and international universities. The methodology, participants, research question, and results varied by study. Overall, internal factors of self-efficacy, self-determination, autonomy, and time management along with external factors of family, organizational, and technical support were found to be significant. An additional variable of course factors, which includes course relevance and course design, was found to significantly impact learners’ decisions to persist or drop an online course. These variables were incorporated into a modified version of Bandura’s reciprocal causation theory, which states that each of these variables influences and is influenced by the decision of a student to persist or drop an online course. The model needs statistical testing within the context of an individual study. Further studies are also needed on course factors impacting an online student’s decision to persist or drop an online course.

An approach to children's smoking behavior using social cognitive learning theory.

Abstract: This review article discusses the theoretical principles of social cognitive learning theory and children's risk-taking behavior of cigarette smoking, along with preventive initiatives. Social cognitive learning theorists examine the behavior of initiating and sustained smoking using a social systems approach. The authors discuss the reciprocal determinism aspect of the theory as applied to the importance of individual factors, and environment and behavioral interactions that influence smoking behavior. Included is the concept of vicarious capability that suggests that smoking behavior is determined in response to and interaction with feedback provided by the environment. The principle of self-regulatory capability asserts that people have control over their own behavior and thus that behavior change is possible. The principle of self-efficacy proposes that high level of self-efficacy of an individual may decrease the behavior of attempting to or continuing to smoke. Examples of initiatives to be undertaken in order to prevent smoking in accordance with social cognitive learning theory are presented at the end of each principle.

Empirical research on the factor of ERP's user customer satisfaction based on triadic reciprocal determinism

Abstract: Extant studies fail to find a significant relationship between information technology investment and firm performance. According to the theory of triadic reciprocal determinism, the determinants of ERP's User Customer Satisfaction include environmental factors (organizational culture, top management support, etc.), user behavior factors (participation in ERP project), and user personal factors (ERP self efficacy, belief on ERP.). By investigating 289 ERP system users, we test various factors on the ERP's User Customer Satisfaction as well as their interactions. The evidence indicates that three factors all have positive impact on the ERP's User Customer Satisfaction, but the mechanisms through which they affect customer satisfaction are different.

Management Theory: A Systems Perspective on Understanding Management Practice and Management Behavior

Abstract: This paper develops a systems perspective on the interdependent relationships between management academics, management theory and management practice. The author re-examines issues raised by Ghoshal, not only about how the uncritical acceptance of an ideologically based gloomy vision of human nature has led to “bad management theories ... destroying good management practices†, but also how practice can impact the development of theory. The approach provides an opportunity to reinterpret and reveal the systemic nature of related feedback and learning processes labelled as the double hermeneutic by Giddens (1987) and as reciprocal determinism by Bandura (1978), to draw a parallel with the role of theory in the decision sciences. This paper provides a constructive illustration of the use of the systems representational tools of system dynamics to develop a systems perspective on these matters to identify the underpinning systemic structure that gives rise to Ghoshal’s views. Finally, the author identifies a means of addressing issues of concern to management theorists, analysts, and practitioners.