Theoretical Framework

This study on the political efficacy of Ateneo college students is rooted from Campbell,
Guren and Millers concept of Political Efficacy (1954) and Schulz (2005) interpretation of
Banduras (1997) Self-Efficacy Theory. Campbell et al (1954, as cited by Arzheimer, 2008)
defined political efficacy as "the feeling that individual political action does have, or can have, an
impact upon the political process, i.e. that it is worthwhile to perform ones civic duties. This
definition assumed that an individual's perceptions, attitudes and feelings have some effect on
his or her political actions. Accordingly, Campbell et al (1954) also assumed that if an individual
perceives him or herself to be more influential, he or she would be more likely to participate in
politics. Later researchers (Lane, 1959, as cited by Lucas, n.d.) found that political efficacy had
two dimensions: internal and external political efficacy. Internal political efficacy referred to an
individuals perceptions about his or her ability to understand politics, and external political
efficacy referred to an individuals perceptions about the responsiveness of the government.
Schulz (2005) related Campbell, Guren and Millers (1954) concept of political efficacy to
Banduras (1997) theory of self-efficacy. Banduras theory of self-efficacy assumed that an
individuals perception of his or her capabilities have an influence on that individuals actions.
Specifically, self-efficacy in politics was the belief that one can produce effects through political
action (Bandura, 1997, as cited by Schulz in 2005). Accordingly, Schulz then assumed that
political participation required people to be politically efficacious, or to perceive that they would
be able to influence politics. By extension, the assumption that an individual can influence
politics also assumed that the government would be responsive to the individuals efforts at
influencing politics.
This study used the concept of political efficacy as originally conceived by Campbell et al
(1954), and in its two dimensions of internal and external efficacy. This study also used the

theoretical assumption of political efficacy having an effect on political participation. Specifically,

this study measured the respondents political efficacy in terms of internal and external efficacy
and correlated them with the respondents level of political participation to see if a significant
relationship existed between them. In sum, the study used the concept of political efficacy to
explain the political participation of the respondents.
Conceptual Framework
As the theoretical framework assumed that political efficacy had an effect on political
participation, the independent variables for this study were the respondents internal and
external political efficacy and the dependent variable was the respondents level of political
participation.

Internal
Political
Efficacy

External
Political
Efficacy

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

Level of
Political
Participation