Sensemaking & Self-Efficacy in Upper Division Undergraduate Physics

Evaluative sensemaking strategies are used to interrogate the plausibility of an answer to a problem. In physics, some of these strategies are checking units/dimensions, checking types of mathematical entities, considering limiting & special cases, and examining covariational relationships. One reason we teach these disciplinary strategies is to empower students as physics problem solvers. If students have agency in evaluating their own answers effectively, do they become more independent practitioners and build confidence in their own physics abilities? In our recent work, we have been exploring the relationship between instructional emphasis on evaluative sensemaking, students' sensemaking practices, and students' self-efficacy in advanced undergraduate physics courses. In this talk, we will share some preliminary mixed-methods analysis from homework and interview data.