Self-efficacy, Epistemological Beliefs, and Academic Performance in Physics: A Mediation Analysis

Abstract

Self-efficacy and epistemological beliefs are focal figures in enhancing academic performance in learning Physics. This paper investigates the mediating role of epistemological beliefs about physical science (EBAPS) on the effect of Physics self-efficacy (PSE) on academic performance in Physics (APP) of 456 grade 12 senior high school students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) track. A correlational research design was used to analyze, interpret, and propose a statistical model predicting the APP based on the empirical data gathered. The adapted research instruments obtained an excellent reliability index, encoded in a web-based program, and distributed through online platforms. Mediation analysis using PROCESS v3.5 was used to examine the mediating role of EBAPS between PSE and APP. Findings revealed that EBAPS significantly mediated the association between PSE and APP. This indicates that their self-efficacy beliefs can enhance their epistemological beliefs, eventually translating to higher academic performance.