Laura is the first in her family to attend college. She comes from a poor family in a bad neighborhood, where most teens and young adults never attend college. Still, she has a strong sense that she has what it takes to succeed. Laura earns an “A” on her first exam and feels more confident than ever in her abilities. Which component of self-efficacy does this describe?
Explanation
Answer: A - Mastery experiences are experiences where an individual succeeds in meeting a goal, raising their self-efficacy. Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in their ability to achieve a goal. In this example, Laura strongly believes in her own abilities to successfully complete college. People with high self-efficacy, such as Laura, often put forth great effort to meet their goals. On the other hand, individuals with low self-efficacy often put forth less effort, and avoid situations where they believe they cannot be successful. In this example, earning an A on an exam is a mastery experience for Laura, strengthening her belief in her ability to succeed.
