A3: Self Efficacy Theory Flashcards
What is self-efficacy?
Self-efficacy is the belief in one’s ability to carry out an action or task. People with high self-efficacy believe they will succeed in difficult tasks, leading to higher motivation and persistence.
How does high self-efficacy influence behaviour?
People with high self-efficacy are more likely to increase effort, and face challenges directly, as they believe they can accomplish difficult tasks.
What is the effect of low self-efficacy on behaviour?
People with low self-efficacy tend to avoid challenges or may give up quickly if tasks seem too difficult or unavoidable.
What are the four main sources of self-efficacy according to Albert Bandura?
The four sources are:
1) Mastery Experiences
2) Vicarious Reinforcement
3) Social Persuasion
4) Emotional States
What is the most important source of self-efficacy?
Mastery Experiences – Having a history of success in tasks, which builds confidence and teaches that future success is possible.
How does failure impact self-efficacy in mastery experiences?
Failing at a task can reduce self-efficacy, making individuals expect to fail in future similar tasks.
How can a person’s self-efficacy be developed through tasks?
By providing opportunities to complete tasks successfully, with tasks that are slightly challenging but within reach to build confidence without causing discouragement.
What is vicarious reinforcement?
The process where the observer sees the model being rewarded, making the observer more likely to imitate the model’s behaviour
What role does social persuasion play in self-efficacy?
Encouragement or discouragement from others can significantly impact self-efficacy, especially when coming from credible sources.
What is the least influential but easiest source of self-efficacy to provide?
Social persuasion, as it is less impactful than mastery experiences or vicarious reinforcement but can still boost self-belief.
How do emotional states affect self-efficacy?
Negative emotional states like stress, anxiety, and fear can lower self-efficacy by making individuals expect failure, especially in new or challenging situations.
What is one strength of self-efficacy theory in health-related behaviour?
There is a large body of research supporting its effectiveness in health-related behaviours. Studies show strong relationships between self-efficacy beliefs and behaviour change in areas like smoking, weight control, contraception use, alcohol abuse, and exercise.
What is one weakness of self-efficacy theory?
Self-efficacy theory is not always generalizable to all individuals or situations. High self-efficacy may cause individuals to overestimate their ability to cope with addictive behaviours, leading them to falsely believe they are not addicted. They may develop cognitive biases, which could lead to inaccurate perceptions and misleading conclusions about their addiction. This limitation means that self-efficacy theory might lead to biased or inaccurate conclusions, especially in complex behaviours like addiction.
