Experimental evaluation of self-efficacy treatment on technical/scientificcareer outcomes

A technology education programme designed to provide mastery experiences de scribed in self-efficacy theory and predicted to improve career decision-ma king was evaluated Seventh- and eighth-grade students (N=169) were stratifi ed by grade level and randomly assigned either to a published technology ed ucation programme or to control curricula. Over a 7-week period the experim ental programme attempted to foster exploration and performance accomplishm ents in the students' choice of three (out of 21 possible) technical and sc ientific careers. Pre- and posttest instruments assessed technical/scientif ic self-efficacy and career interest. No treatment effects were found. Howe ver, an experimental demand measure showed greater valuing of the technolog y education programme. Implications and suggested improvements to the treat ment are discussed.