Semester

Fall

Date of Graduation

2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MA

College

College of Education and Human Services

Department

Learning Sciences and Human Development

Committee Chair

Andrew Katayama

Committee Co-Chair

Neal Shambaugh

Committee Member

Patricia Haught

Committee Member

Anne Nardi

Abstract

There have been no previous studies in the self-efficacy or single-sex schools literature that have looked at the possible relationship between self-efficacy expectations and type of school. This study compared mathematics self-efficacy of sixth, seventh, and eighth grade girls in a single-sex and a co-educational school. Four measures, including a personal background questionnaire, were used to collect data. Results showed a correlation for type of school and importance of mathematics. Contrary to assumptions made by the researcher, girls in the co-educational school scored consistently higher on all measures used. The results of this research suggest that it will take more than single-sex schooling to improve girls' attitudes about math and their participation in technological careers.

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