Even noteworthy performance attainments do not necessarily boost perceived self-efficacy

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

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

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

The performances of others are often selected as standards for self-improvement of abilities

The satisfactions people derive from what they do are determined to a large degree by their self-evaluative standards

People who hold a low view of themselves [will credit] their achievements to external factors, rather than to their own capabilities.