According to a study by Dr. Del Siegle, what is "self-efficacy"?

Self-efficacy refers specifically to an individual's belief in their own abilities to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task. This concept, formulated by psychologist Albert Bandura, emphasizes the importance of self-belief in relation to the execution of actions toward achieving goals. When individuals have a strong sense of self-efficacy, they are more likely to take on challenging tasks, persist in the face of setbacks, and experience greater motivation.

In the context of Dr. Del Siegle's research, focusing on self-efficacy highlights how learners perceive their capabilities, which directly affects their engagement and performance in educational settings, particularly for gifted and talented students. Self-efficacy can influence their approach to learning, creativity, and problem-solving.

The other options address different aspects of self-perception and motivation but do not align with the precise definition of self-efficacy. The first option relates more to self-esteem, which encompasses a broader sense of self-worth rather than a specific belief about one’s abilities. The second option concerns future expectations of worth rather than current beliefs about capabilities. The last option mentions efficiency and goal accomplishment, which are outcomes that may be influenced by self-efficacy, but do not capture the core concept itself.