PUB TYPE Reports- Research/Technical (143) Speeches/Conference Papers (150)

A study examined the relationships between the motivational variables of self-efficacy (the belief that one is capable of performing effectively) and outcome expectancies (contingency or causal dependency between actions and results) and performance in reading and writing. Subjects, 153 college students, completed measures of self-efficacy for reading and writing, outcome expectancy, reading achievement, and writing achievement. Data analysis revealed that self-efficacy and outcome expectancy beliefs are significant predictors of reading and writing performance. If persons experience reading and writing as important behaviors related to desired life goals both for themselves and for others, they will be more likely to engage in reading or writing activities and to persist in reading or writing tasks. (FL) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document