Syracuse University

Proposed by Albert Bandura, self-efficacy is an individual's belief in their own ability to successfully complete a specific task. This belief, which can be influenced by past successes in similar tasks, is considered a key factor in determining a person's motivation, emotional state, and subsequent behavior.

Self-Efficacy

Participants are given 10 items where each item is rated on a four‐point Likert scale (1 = not at all true–4 = exactly true). A higher score indicates higher self-efficacy. 

General Self‐Efficacy Scale (GSES)

In this article, researchers are shown to have paid attention to how students' thoughts and beliefs play a role in the learning process. 
- This article shows the "empirical literature" that shows how students' self efficacy affects education by the addressing the research question: which are the factors shown to affect the self-efficacy of students within higher education settings? 
- The results show that there is a way to enhance self efficacy based on social cognitive theory and several factors influenced self efficacy as well. 

Abstract of Factors of affecting students' self-efficacy in higher education 

Van Dinther, Mart, Filip Dochy, and Mien Segers. "Factors affecting students’ self-efficacy in higher education." Educational research review 6.2 (2011): 95-108.

A sense of self-efficacy is an important part of quit attempts for smokers because it allows them to feel like they are capable of quitting.  However, there is concern that failed quit attempts through smoking cessation programs may cause a decrease in self-efficacy, which could cause harm by preventing further quit attempts.  

Self-Efficacy/Motivation and Smoking Cessation Programs

An engineering student feels a general sense of pride and worth as a person. However, when faced with a complex programming assignment, they feel anxious and doubt their ability to write the code successfully. Which of the following statements best analyzes this student's psychological state?

Individuals with high self-efficacy are confident that their goals are attainable. They perceive challenges as opportunities for mastery, become deeply engaged and committed to their activities, and demonstrate resilience by recovering quickly from failures.

Characteristics of High Self-Efficacy

Individuals with low self-efficacy often avoid challenging tasks because they doubt their ability to succeed. They tend to concentrate on failure and negative outcomes, and their confidence in their own abilities diminishes when they encounter setbacks.

Characteristics of Low Self-Efficacy

An individual's level of self-efficacy is not a fixed, global trait but can vary depending on the specific situation or task. A person can feel highly confident in one area while feeling insecure in another.

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