Why Math Careers?
This study determined the role of self-efficacy on women’s selection of math-related careers. Unlike a similar study conducted by Zeldin and Pajares (2000), this study included African-American women. It centered on Banduras (1986, 1987) four sources for self-efficacy perceptions (mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasions, and physical and emotional states) by reviewing the personal narratives of women who selected and continued to excel in careers in the area of mathematics. The research question was which of the four sources contributed the most to self-efficacy. Participants were five women (three Caucasian and two African-American) in math-related careers. Zeldin and Pajares semi-structured, open-ended interview protocol was used. Analysis of participants responses indicated vicarious experiences and verbal persuasions were instrumental sources for the development and maintenance of self-efficacy beliefs for women in math-related careers, and these women demons
