Adaptation of the sources of the mathematics self-efficacy scale for Oman: A validation study

Abstract

The current study aims to adapt sources of middle school mathematics scale developed by Usher and Pajares (2009) to the Omani context. The study sample consisted of 700 students (379 girls and 321 boys) from the eighth grade in middle schools in Oman. The results of this study showed that sources of middle school mathematics self-efficacy scale (SMES) (adaption) resemble the original version of which developed by Usher and Pajares (2009). Confirmatory factor analysis showed good fit indices, with χ²=767.8, df=224, comparative fit index=.928, standardized root mean square residual=.0478, and root mean square error approximation=.059. The scale also displayed a robust internal consistency–Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was above 0.8 and for its subscales as well. The indices of convergent and divergent validity for this scale were all significant (p<0.001). Therefore, SMES is psychometrically sound and can be applied to the Omani context.