Measures of self-precept must be tailored to the domain of psychological functioning being explored.

Judgments of adequacy involve social comparison processes

People judge their capabilities partly by comparing their performances with those of others

Comparative appraisals of efficacy require not only evaluation of one;s own performances but also knowledge of how others do, cognizance of nonability determinants of their performances, and some understanding that it is others, like oneself, who provide the most informative social criterion for comparison

Through their capacity to manipulate symbols and to engage in reflective thought, people can generate novel ideas and innovative actions that transcend their past experiences

When people are not aiming for anything in particular or when they cannot monitor their performance, there is little basis for translating perceived efficacy into appropriate magnitudes of effort

People who are insecure about themselves will avoid social comparisons that are potentially threatening to their self-esteem