Theory of self-efficacy: the explanatory and predictive scope

Abstract

This paper gives a review of the basic tenets of self-efficacy theory and discusses several theoretical issues, including the relationship of the theory to other theories of the cognitive mediation of behaviour. It is argued that similar concept, operationally equivalent to self-efficacy had already been investigated in psychology prior to the appearance of self- efficacy theory. The existence of similar models proves and documents the meaningfulness of the concept. Such models need to be looked upon as compatible and complementary instead of competitive.
Convergent evidence from diverse lines of research attest to the explanatory and predictive generality of the self-efficacy theory.