Expected outcomes contribute to motivation independently of self-efficacy beliefs when outcomes are not completely controlled by quality of performance. This occurs when extraneous factors also affect outcomes, or outcomes are socially tied to a minimum level of performance so that some variations in quality of performance above and below the standard do not produce differential outcomes

One cannot afford to be a realist.

Most of the images of reality on which we base our actions are really based on vicarious experience.

Agemates provide the most informative points of reference for comparative efficacy appraisal and verification. Children are, therefore, especially sensitive to their relative standing among the peers with whom they affiliate in activities that determine prestige and popularity

Gaining insight into one's underlying motives, it seems, is more like a belief conversion than a self-discovery process

People with high assurance in their capabilities approach difficult tasks as challenges to be mastered rather than as threats to be avoided.

Coping with the demands of everyday life would be exceedingly trying if one could arrive at solutions to problems only by actually performing possible options and suffering the consequences.