A Study on Topic Selection and Actualization in English Majors’ BA Thesis Based on Self-efficacy Theory

Abstract

By employing the self-efficacy theory, this study examines the relationship between the degree of self-efficacy in BA thesis composition and English majors’ reasons for and problems in topic selection and actualization. The results suggest that students with different degree of self-efficacy in BA thesis composition tend to have different reasons to select certain topic for a BA thesis as well as different problems during the topic selection and actualization process. Students with higher self-efficacy tend to be more active and positive during the process of topic selection and actualization. Pedagogical implications are given to improve the efficiency of academic writing courses and to help teachers and supervisors to better understand students so as to enhance English majors self-efficacy in BA thesis composition as well as better help the students to choose and actualize the topics for their BA theses with more ease.