Self-efficacy

Definition

Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their own ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task. This belief can influence how people approach challenges, set goals, and persist in the face of obstacles. High self-efficacy can lead to greater motivation and resilience, while low self-efficacy may result in avoidance of tasks and decreased performance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Self-efficacy influences motivation, as individuals with high self-efficacy are more likely to take on challenging tasks and persist despite setbacks.
2. The four primary sources of self-efficacy include mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, social persuasion, and physiological states.
3. High levels of self-efficacy can lead to better performance and more effective learning strategies, as individuals are more inclined to engage with the material.
4. Self-efficacy can impact not just individual performance but also group dynamics, as collective self-efficacy within teams can enhance collaboration and goal achievement.
5. Low self-efficacy can result in fear of failure and avoidance of challenges, which may hinder personal development and success.

Review Questions

• How does self-efficacy affect an individual's approach to learning new skills or taking on challenges?
  • Self-efficacy significantly affects how individuals approach learning new skills. Those with high self-efficacy tend to embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth. They are more likely to set ambitious goals, persist through difficulties, and employ effective learning strategies. Conversely, individuals with low self-efficacy may shy away from challenges, fearing failure, which ultimately limits their growth and learning potential.
• Discuss the role of mastery experiences in building self-efficacy and how this concept relates to skill acquisition.
  • Mastery experiences play a crucial role in building self-efficacy because they provide individuals with evidence of their capabilities. Successfully completing a task reinforces the belief that one can handle similar challenges in the future. This concept is essential for skill acquisition, as repeated success not only boosts confidence but also encourages continued practice and effort, ultimately leading to improved performance and mastery of new skills.
• Evaluate the implications of low self-efficacy on personal development and performance within a team setting.
  • Low self-efficacy can have detrimental implications for personal development and team performance. Individuals with low self-belief often avoid taking risks or contributing ideas during group activities, which can stifle creativity and collaboration. This lack of engagement can prevent the team from reaching its full potential. Furthermore, when team members lack confidence in their abilities, it can create a negative feedback loop where poor performance reinforces low self-efficacy, further diminishing their contributions and overall effectiveness within the group.

Related terms

Self-esteem: Self-esteem is the overall sense of personal value or self-worth that an individual feels about themselves.

Outcome expectancy: Outcome expectancy is the belief that a particular behavior will lead to a specific outcome, which can influence motivation and behavior.

Mastery experience: Mastery experience refers to past successes that enhance self-efficacy by demonstrating an individual's capability to achieve tasks.