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Measuring General Self-Efficacy

A Comparison of Three Measures Using Item Response Theory

Yochi Cohen-Charash

Michael J. Kern

Baruch College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York

General self-efficacy (GSE), individuals'belief in their ability to perform well in a variety of situations, has been the subject of increasing research attention. However, the psychometric properties (e.g., reliability, validity) associated with the scores on GSE measures have been criticized, which has hindered efforts to further establish the construct of GSE. This study examines the reliability of responses to the items, as well as the item parameters of three GSE measures using item response theory. Contrary to the criticisms, the responses to the items on all three measures of GSE demonstrate acceptable psychometric properties, especially at lower levels of GSE. The results indicate that the New General Self-Efficacy Scale has a slight advantage over the other measures examined in this study in terms of the item discrimination, item information, and relative efficiency of the test information function. Implications for GSE research are discussed.

Key Words: general self-efficacy • item response theory • motivation • measurement

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