FoSWE – Eine Kurzskala zur Erfassung forschungsbezogener Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung

Previous research suggests that self-efficacy is an important predictor for intentions to pursue a doctorate and academic career aspirations. However, an appropriate German instrument to measure research related self-efficacy is currently lacking. Therefore, the FoSWE-scale was developed as a short scale to measure science related self-efficacy economically. The quality of the scale was evaluated using survey data on doctoral graduates in the life sciences (medicine and biological sciences). Confirmatory factor analysis and correlations with objective success factors confirms the reliability and validity of the instrument. We found strong measurement invariance across several samples within the disciplines, but weak measurement invariance between the two disciplinary groups. In line with these results, the scale can be recommended for use in the context of early career scientists academic and career aspirations. However, comparisons between different disciplines require careful considerations.