The PISA Mathematics Self-Efficacy Scale

In 2003 and in 2012, the PISA assessment framework used a scale to measure mathematics self-efficacy. In 2015, this scale was reused in a pretest of an upcoming Swiss assessment of basic mathematical competencies in grade 9. The pretest shows three remarkable results: (1) The scale cannot be seen as unidimensional; moreover, the assumption of unidimensionality disguises some important facts, e.g. concerning gender differences. (2) The items are not worded carefully and do not seem to represent all the relevant content of mathematics adequately; concrete enhancements are suggested. (3) There are latent classes observable within the response patterns to the items, enabling to identify a latent class of “self-proclaimed algebra experts” with interesting connections to other scales measuring beliefs on mathematics.