Construction and validation of the scale measuring the self-efficacy of higher secondary students

This study focuses on the construction and validation of a Self-Efficacy Scale for Higher Secondary Students (SESHSS), designed to assess students’ confidence in their ability to manage academic tasks, cope with challenges, and achieve educational goals. Self-efficacy, a critical factor influencing academic performance and personal development, necessitates the creation of a reliable and contextually relevant tool for measurement. The research employed a random sampling technique. Initially, a thorough literature review and group discussions with students, Psychologists, teachers and experts in the field of education were held in order to frame the relevant statements. Initially 40 statements were made. The scale was administered to a sample of 100 higher secondary students across different educational institutions of district Anantnag. The investigator has used normative survey method for the study. Item analysis was adopted for the final selection of items. The total scores were calculated separately and they were arranged in the descending order. The top 25% and the bottom 25% of scores alone were taken into account. The difference in means of the high and low groups for each item was tested for significance by computing the t- ratios. Items with ‘t’ value of 1.96 and above were selected for the final tool. Thus 30 statements were selected and 10 have been eliminated. This scale provides educators, counsellors, and researchers with a psychometrically sound tool for assessing and enhancing self-efficacy among higher secondary students.