The Self-Efficacy of Pharmacy Students in Performing Clinical Tasks
Paul S. Cady PhD, RPhLon N. Larson PhD, RPh
pages: 17 - 29
- DOI: 10.1300/J060v04n04_03
- Version of record first published: 03Apr1995
Abstract:
The self-eficacy theory proposes that an individual's beliefs about his or her capabilities function as a determinant of future behavior. Individuals who possess a strong sense of self-efficacy for a task, i.e., perceive they can successfully perform the task, are more willing to engage in the task. We developed an instrument to evaluate the self-eficacy of pharmacy students in performing clinical functions. Students in the third professional year of a pharmacy cuniculum exhibited higher levels of self-eficacy than firstor second-year students. First-year students exhibited the lowest scores. (Female students exhibited lower self-efficacy scores than male students did.) Measuring self-efficacy may provide pharmacy educators with a valuable assessment tool. Methods for improving efficacy expectations of pharmacy students are discussed.