The purpose of this exploratory study is to investigate the effects of gifted students’ motivation on their science
self-efficacy. Based on the results of previous studies and literature reviews, a research hypothesis was established as follows:
Intrinsic factors of science motivation that mediate self-regulatory efficacy are primary factors that influence science
self-efficacy and confidence in science. A total of 200 students, identified as gifted in science, participated in the study. Their
survey responses were analyzed with validity, correlation, CFA, and mediating effects by SPSS and Amos. The survey consisted
of 28 items, composed of 14 science motivation items, and 14 science self-efficacy items that were validated to measure
the correlation between science motivation and science self-efficacy. A correlation analysis was performed using the 28
items indicated a significant correlation between the two scales. A second test for goodness of fit of a structural equation
model appeared appropriate (χ2/df = 1.854, TLI = .901, CFI = .902, RMSEA = .049). Third, intrinsic motivation, which is one
factor of science motivation, was mediated by self-regulatory efficacy effecting confidence of science directly and/or indirectly.
The results appear to support the working hypothesis that increasing science motivation enhances science self-efficacy.
In particular, intrinsic motivation seems to be a primary factor influencing gifted students’ self-efficacy and confidence in science.
Consequently, this study provides evidence of the positive effect of students’ science motivation on their science selfefficacy.
Furthermore, it may contribute to understanding the importance of gifted students’ motivation and the necessity to
support students’ intrinsic motivation in science education.