Comparative Validity of Two Measures of Self-Efficacy in Predicting Academic Goals and Performance

Two unexplored issues in goal theory concern (a) the different predictive utility of outcome versus process self-efficacy and (b) the differences in static versus dynamic levels of self-efficacy, personal goals, and performance. This study examined these issues, using repeated measures of outcome versus process self-efficacy, personal goals, and performance over 3 months from 252 management students in an academic achievement setting. After establishing a baseline to replicate past research concerning self-efficacy, personal goal, and performance relationships, determinants of change in these variables were investigated. Outcome self-efficacy results in higher validity for predicting personal goals and performance than process self-efficacy; however, process self-efficacy significantly predicts outcome self-efficacy. Additionally, personal goals directly affect self-efficacy, self-efficacy does not directly affect change in performance, and self-efficacy, personal goals, and performance reciprocally affect each other.