Factors Influencing Students’ Beliefs About Engineering Habits of Mind

Abstract

The current study investigated the influence of emotional factors, gender variable, grade level and academic achievement on university students’ beliefs about engineering habits of mind. The sample included 400 male and female students from the University of Wasset in Iraq. The study used the following scales: Belief scale for engineering habits of mind, engineering Self-efficacy Scale, engineering Attitude Scale and a Demographic Characteristics questionnaire. All data were analyzed using the correlational survey technique. The results of the current study showed significant positive relationships were found between the students’ self-efficacy concerning engineering and their academic achievements, and their beliefs about engineering habits of mind. Furthermore, a negative, moderate and significant relationship was found between the attitudes of the students to engineering and their beliefs about engineering habits of mind. In conclusion, no significant difference was found between the grades of the students regarding engineering habits of mind and their gender.