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Article
Making Meaning of MSW Students’ Statistical Abilities: The Role of Self-Efficacy and Knowledge-Based Assessment
Journal of Social Work Education (2017)
  • Rebecca G. Mirick, Salem State University
  • Ashley Davis, Wheelock College
Abstract
Although statistics and research are key components of social work education, students are often described as reluctant consumers and users of statistics. Self-efficacy theory has been used to understand students’ engagement with the statistical knowledge needed for practice. This quantitative study explores the relationship between self-efficacy, self-reported ability, and demonstrated statistical knowledge among MSW students (N = 101). There was a weak positive relationship between self-efficacy and the ability to apply statistics, but self-efficacy was not associated with perceived or demonstrated ability to define statistical concepts. Although many students demonstrated a strong ability to define statistical concepts, the majority of students were unable to apply the concepts to a practice-based example. The implications for competency-based statistical instruction are discussed.
Publication Date
March 1, 2017
DOI
10.1080/10437797.2016.1269702
Citation Information
Rebecca G. Mirick and Ashley Davis. "Making Meaning of MSW Students’ Statistical Abilities: The Role of Self-Efficacy and Knowledge-Based Assessment" Journal of Social Work Education Vol. 53 Iss. 2 (2017) p. 212 - 221
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/rebecca-mirick/4/