The Impact of Research Self-Efficacy on Academic Success: A Systematic Review

The Impact of Research Self-Efficacy on Academic Success: A Systematic Review | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Systematic Review The Impact of Research Self-Efficacy on Academic Success: A Systematic Review Erwin Rimban This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6532347/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Research self-efficacy (RSE), defined as an individual's belief in their capability to successfully conduct research-related tasks, has emerged as a critical factor in academic development, particularly for graduate students. This systematic review examines the relationship between research self-efficacy and academic success outcomes across higher education contexts. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search of academic databases yielded 42 eligible studies spanning 2000-2024. Results indicate that research self-efficacy consistently predicts academic outcomes including research productivity, persistence in academic programs, and career development. Four primary sources of research self-efficacy were identified: mastery experiences, vicarious learning, verbal persuasion, and emotional/physiological states. Several validated measurement scales were found to reliably assess RSE, with factor structures typically reflecting the research process stages. Factors such as mentoring quality, research training environments, scholarly activity engagement, and year of study significantly influence RSE development. Interventions combining structured research experiences with quality mentoring demonstrated the greatest efficacy in enhancing research self-efficacy. Importantly, the relationship between RSE and success appears bidirectional, with each reinforcing the other over time. This systematic review highlights the need for academic institutions to intentionally develop research self-efficacy through curriculum design and mentoring practices. Recommendations include implementing comprehensive training programs, fostering collaborative research environments, and addressing gender disparities in RSE development. Cognitive Neuroscience Educational Psychology Psychology Research self-efficacy academic success systematic review higher education doctoral students PRISMA academic self-efficacy research preparedness Full Text Additional Declarations The authors declare no competing interests. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. 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