Which of the following is an example of self-efficacy?
Group of answer choices
Judd believes that he is good at math.
Stacia thinks that Tammy underestimates her abilities.
Naomi believes that she can’t successfully complete law school.
Tony knows that Yancy frequently brags about his accomplishments.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: Judd believes that he is good at math.
Explanation:
Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in their own ability to successfully perform or accomplish a specific task or goal. It is a concept introduced by psychologist Albert Bandura as part of his social cognitive theory. Self-efficacy is different from general self-confidence because it focuses on specific domains or tasks rather than a broad sense of self-esteem or worth.
In this context, Judd’s belief that he is good at math exemplifies self-efficacy because it shows that he feels capable of succeeding in a specific area—mathematics. This belief can influence how he approaches math-related challenges, his persistence when facing difficulties, and ultimately, his performance in this domain.
Why the other options are not examples of self-efficacy:
- “Stacia thinks that Tammy underestimates her abilities”
This reflects Stacia’s perception of Tammy’s view, not Stacia’s own belief about her capabilities. It does not directly relate to self-efficacy because it focuses on another person’s judgment, not an internal evaluation of ability. - “Naomi believes that she can’t successfully complete law school”
While this statement reflects a belief about her ability, it represents low self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is specifically about confidence in one’s capability to succeed, and this example highlights doubt, not positive belief. - “Tony knows that Yancy frequently brags about his accomplishments”
This reflects Tony’s observation of someone else’s behavior rather than Tony’s belief in his own abilities. It is unrelated to self-efficacy.
Importance of Self-Efficacy:
Self-efficacy significantly impacts motivation, resilience, and decision-making. For example, Judd’s confidence in his math skills might lead him to tackle challenging math problems, persist despite initial failures, and seek opportunities to improve, reinforcing his abilities and performance over time. On the other hand, individuals with low self-efficacy might avoid challenges or give up quickly, perpetuating a cycle of underachievement. Therefore, cultivating self-efficacy is critical for personal growth and success.