A comparison between general self-efficacy scales and other personality scales with task performance.

Abstract

General self-efficacy (GSE) is defined as the global confidence one has to successfully perform tasks. General self-efficacy has been criticized for being too similar to the constructs of self-esteem and locus of control. Because task specific self-efficacy (TSSE) has been linked to predicting performance outcomes, the present study tested whether general self-efficacy would be a better predictor of a performance task than other personality measures (i.e., self-esteem and locus of control). A performance task similar to the address-checking test used by the u.S. Postal service was administered to 104 psychology students. Four GSE scales, a self-esteem scale, a locus of control scale and a TSSE scale were also administered to the participants. A multiple regression analysis was conducted with the performance task as the dependent variable and the personality scales, a sample-performance test, and a TSSE scale as the independent variables. None of the personality measures successfully predicted performance, and the sample test and the TS::;E scale were the only significant predictors of performance. Findings suggest the GSE scales were measuring the same construct as self-esteem because of their high intercorrelations and their inabilities to predict significant performance outcomes. Limitations of the study were listed and recommendations for future research were given.