Self-efficacy Theory

Definition

Self-efficacy theory is a key concept in social cognitive theory that describes an individual's belief in their own ability to successfully perform a specific task or behavior. It is a crucial determinant of motivation, behavior, and performance across various domains.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Self-efficacy beliefs influence the choices people make, the effort they expend, and their persistence in the face of difficulties.
2. Self-efficacy is developed through four main sources: mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, social persuasion, and physiological and emotional states.
3. Individuals with high self-efficacy are more likely to set challenging goals, put forth greater effort, and persevere in the face of obstacles.
4. Self-efficacy beliefs can be domain-specific, meaning that individuals may have high self-efficacy in one area (e.g., academic performance) but low self-efficacy in another (e.g., athletic performance).
5. Self-efficacy is a key predictor of behavior and is closely linked to an individual's motivation, resilience, and overall performance.

Review Questions

• Explain how self-efficacy theory relates to motivation and behavior in the context of 10.1 Motivation.
  • According to self-efficacy theory, an individual's beliefs about their own capabilities to successfully perform a task or behavior are a key determinant of their motivation and actions. Individuals with high self-efficacy are more likely to set challenging goals, put forth greater effort, and persist in the face of obstacles, leading to improved performance and outcomes. In the context of 10.1 Motivation, self-efficacy plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's choice of activities, the effort they expend, and their resilience when encountering difficulties, all of which are important aspects of motivation.
• Describe the four main sources of self-efficacy and explain how they can be applied to enhance motivation in the context of 10.1 Motivation.
  • The four main sources of self-efficacy are: 1) Mastery experiences, where successful performance of a task boosts self-efficacy; 2) Vicarious experiences, where observing others' success increases one's belief in their own capabilities; 3) Social persuasion, where encouragement and feedback from others can strengthen self-efficacy; and 4) Physiological and emotional states, where positive emotions and physical well-being can enhance self-efficacy. In the context of 10.1 Motivation, these sources can be leveraged to help individuals develop a stronger sense of self-efficacy, which in turn can lead to increased motivation, effort, and persistence in pursuing their goals.
• Evaluate how the relationship between self-efficacy and locus of control might influence an individual's motivation and behavior in the context of 10.1 Motivation.
  • The relationship between self-efficacy and locus of control is an important consideration in understanding motivation and behavior. Individuals with an internal locus of control, who believe they can influence outcomes through their own actions, are more likely to have high self-efficacy. This combination of internal locus of control and high self-efficacy can lead to greater motivation, as the individual believes they have the capability and control to achieve their goals. Conversely, individuals with an external locus of control, who attribute outcomes to external factors, may have lower self-efficacy, which can undermine their motivation and lead to less persistent behavior. In the context of 10.1 Motivation, understanding the interplay between self-efficacy and locus of control can provide insights into how individuals approach and engage with tasks and challenges.

Related terms

Social Cognitive Theory: A theory of learning and motivation that emphasizes the role of observational learning, self-regulation, and reciprocal determinism in human behavior.

Bandura's Theory of Self-Regulation: A theory that explains how individuals use self-observation, self-judgment, and self-reaction to regulate their own behavior and achieve desired outcomes.

Locus of Control: The extent to which individuals believe they can control events that affect them, either through their own actions (internal locus of control) or through external factors (external locus of control).