Research self-efficacy in the psychology and educational sciences graduate students

Research is one of the most important topics in higher education. Some researches should be carried out in order to identifying and resolving the research problems and selecting qualified people. The aim of the present study was to focus on the research self-efficacy in the psychology and educational sciences graduate students. The research was conducted by using the descriptive-survey method. The statistical population was consisted of all MA students in psychology and educational Sciences at the Tehran Kharazmy University in 2011-2012 semesters. 120 students were selected by simple random sampling method. The used tool for gathering the data was a standard research self-efficacy questionnaire (Phillips & Russell، 1994). Analyzing the data showed the followings: 1- Practical research skills efficacy among MA students were high (Sig 0. 000، p < 0. 01). 2- Writing skills efficacy among MA students were high (Sig 0. 000، p < 0. 01). 3- Research design skills efficacy among MA students were high (Sig 0. 000، p < 0. 01). 4- Quantitative and computer skills efficacy among MA students were not high (Sig 0. 070، p < 0. 05). It can be concluded that the efficacy of practical research skills، writing and research design among these students were high. This result may be due to the familiarity with statistical methods and research، previous learning and their experiences. Quantitative and computer skills efficacy among the students were not high and perhaps it wad due to the lack of required familiarity to work with computers and statistical software.