Self-efficacy vs. self-esteem
A student believes she can master organic chemistry if she studies hard, even though she generally thinks poorly of herself. She has:
Answer B: explanation for every choice
A
This reverses the two concepts.
B
Correct. Self-efficacy is confidence about a specific task. Self-esteem is overall self-worth. They can differ.
C
Believing her effort determines the outcome reflects an internal locus of control.
D
Learned helplessness is believing your actions cannot change outcomes. She believes effort works.
TakeawaySelf-efficacy: confidence for a specific task. Self-esteem: overall self-worth.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID ps78.