Social Cognitive Theory and Self-efficacy Social cognitive theory studies the human capacity to “ exercise control over the nature and quality of one’s quality life” Bandura (2001), as quoted by Swackhamer (2009). This human agency or exercise of control allows individuals to make things happen through intentional actions. As Bandura (2001)described human agency as being guided through four cognitive channels: self-regulation, self-reflectiveness, intentionality, and forethought. Self-regulation is the ability of a person to observe the preferred choice of action through goal setting and motivation. On the other hand, self-reflection refers to the evaluation of the person’s motivation, values, and the importance of the chosen action. Furthermore, …show more content…
A teacher, for example, with high confidence in her abilities will approach difficult tasks as confronts to be mastered rather than as threats to be avoided. On the other hand, a teacher with a low level of self-efficacy will set incomplete goals, lose motivation, and will not see herself as being competent and capable of the job. Although both these individuals may possess the same skills and knowledge to complete the task, their level of efficacy could mean they each perform the task in completely different manners Bandura …show more content…
The first and the most efficient is through “mastery experiences” or accomplishments at the task. Mastery experiences increase one’s self-efficacy, while failures may obstruct its progress. The best mastery experiences should take time and determination to achieve. Bandura (1977,1997) identified vicarious experiences as the next most vigorous weight on one’s self-efficacy. Observing the successes of others similar to oneself provides positively to self-efficacy while the exact opposite is also true – observing the failures of others similar to oneself may lessen self-efficacy. Another source of self-efficacy is social or verbal persuasion. Social persuasion is the words of encouragement or moral support from others regarding one’s performance that may transform one’s perceptions of efficacy. Self-efficacy can be persuaded if told by others that they have what it takes to succeed. Self-efficacy can also be weakened if told by others they do not acquire the proficiencies for success. Bandura believed that it was far easier for social persuasion to decrease rather than to increase self-efficacy. Finally, the physiological or affective states