Which of the following is an example of self-efficacy?
Group of answer choices
A Tony knows that Yancy frequently brags about his accomplishments.
B Naomi believes that she can successfully complete law school.
C Judd does not believe that he is good at math.
D Stacia thinks that Tammy underestimates her abilities.
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer: B. Naomi believes that she can successfully complete law school.
Explanation:
Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in their ability to successfully perform and accomplish specific tasks or goals. The concept was developed by psychologist Albert Bandura and is considered a key component in human motivation and behavior. It is a person’s internal judgment about whether they are capable of executing the actions required to achieve a particular outcome.
Option B is the best example of self-efficacy. Naomi believes that she can successfully complete law school, which is a clear demonstration of confidence in her ability to perform and achieve a challenging academic goal. This belief can directly influence how much effort she puts into her studies, how she responds to setbacks, and how persistent she is in the face of difficulty. High self-efficacy tends to enhance motivation, increase resilience, and lead to better performance outcomes.
Let’s examine why the other choices are not examples of self-efficacy:
- A. Tony knows that Yancy frequently brags about his accomplishments.
This is an observation about another person’s behavior. It doesn’t reflect Tony’s own belief in his capabilities or lack thereof. - C. Judd does not believe that he is good at math.
While this reflects low confidence, it is more accurately described as low self-efficacy, which is the opposite of the concept being asked for. The question is looking for an example of positive self-efficacy. - D. Stacia thinks that Tammy underestimates her abilities.
This statement is about someone else’s perception (Tammy’s view of Stacia), not Stacia’s own belief in her capabilities.
In summary, self-efficacy is about your own belief in your own abilities. Therefore, Naomi’s belief that she can complete law school (Option B) is the clearest example of self-efficacy.