Academic writing and self-efficacy in students of social and human sciences at a Peruvian university

Abstract

Self-efficacy is based on Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory and from this perspective the objective of this study is to examine the relationship between academic writing and self-efficacy beliefs for writing in undergraduate university students. The sample consisted of 176 participants, 114 women and 62 men, from a Peruvian public university. Quantitative and correctional methodology were used. The participants completed a Perception Questionnaire on Academic Literacy and a Writing Self-Efficacy Scale. The results reveal that the relationship between academic writing perception and self-efficacy beliefs is moderate; there are no significant differences by gender and academic program. It is concluded that the higher the level of perception of academic writing, the higher the self-efficacy beliefs.