Abstract

REYES CRUZ, María del Rosario  and  GUTIERREZ ARCEO, José Manuel. Sentido de autoeficacia en investigación de estudiantes de posgrado. Sinéctica [online]. 2015, n.45, pp.1-15. ISSN 2007-7033.

The purpose of this study was to understand the development of graduate students' research self-efficacy and the influence that self-efficacy sources exert on it. The theoretical framework that underpined this study was Bandura's self-efficacy theory. The narrative desing was chosen, in particular the life story method. In-depth interviews, video recordings and photographs were part of the data collection. Findings indicated that participants had scarce mastery and vicarious experiences before entering the graduate program. Participants' sense of selfefficacy increased as they spent more time in the program and made progress on their research projects. Among the elements that contributed to this gain in selfefficacy there were the expertise and the support of the thesis supervisors in the majority of the cases, the design of the program curriculum, and the techniques implemented by the program to supervise and to enculturate the students in research matters. Intrinsic motivation to undertake and complete graduate studies was the most influential personal aspect to build students' sense of self-efficacy. This study invites reflection on the importance of students' individual differences and the suitability of educational policies in Mexico.

Keywords : self-efficacy; research; postgraduate studies; emotions; research training; feedback.

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