A Social Cognitive Construct Validation: Determining Women's and Men's Success in Engineering Programs

Abstract

Because educational theorists have maintained that classroom environment strongly predicts academic success, we utilized Bandura's (1986) model measuring environment, self, and behavior to GPA using approximately 700 engineering students. A structural equation analysis indicated that discrimination affected females more frequently while academic integration had more positive effects on females' self-efficacy, perceived helpseeking, effort, and critical thinking.