Question

Design an assignment for an introductory psychology class that might increase student self-efficacy. Finally, explain how the design of your assignment might change based on the two types of locus of control.

Answer 1

Part 1 of your answer: Firstly let me explain what is self efficacy?

Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. Your values become your destiny.

Some psychologists rate self-efficacy above talent as the key for success. We need to pay special attention to self-efficacy when setting goals to make sure that our efficacy beliefs are in line with our aims and not working against them

Definition: It is the optimistic self-belief in our competence or chances of successfully accomplishing a task and producing a favourable outcome.

Albert Bandura was the one who gave Self efficacy theory: There are 5 sources to it broadly

Past Experience of similar kind

Observation of people around us, especially people we consider as role models.

Influential people in our lives such as parents, teachers, managers or coaches can strengthen our beliefs that we have what it takes to succeed.

The mental state you’re in will influence how you judge your self-efficacy. example stress or depression can dampen our self efficacy

Imaginal experiences: If you imagine that you shall succeed then you will

Part 2 of your answer: Now let's understand what is locus of control and it's types:

Locus of control is a psychological concept that refers to how strongly people believe they have control over the situations and experiences that affect their lives.

Types are:

Internal and External - This concept was originated by Julian Rotter in 1950's

A person with an internal locus of control believes that he or she can influence events and their outcomes, while someone with an external locus of control blames outside forces for everything.

Part 3 of your answer:

• I often feel that I have little control over my life and what happens to me.
• People rarely get what they deserve.
• It isn't worth setting goals or making plans because too many things can happen that are outside of my control.
• Life is a game of chance.
• Individuals have little influence over the events of the world.

If the statements above best reflect your view on life, then you probably tend to have an external locus of control.

• If you work hard and commit yourself to a goal, you can achieve anything.
• There is no such thing as fate or destiny.
• If you study hard and are well-prepared, you can do well on exams.
• Luck has little to do with success; it's mostly a matter of dedication and effort.
• In the long run, people tend to get what they deserve in life.

If the statements above best reflect your outlook on life, then you most likely have an internal locus of control.

Having an internal locus of control will help you work hard, be commited to your study, will make you more independant and responsible for your own study hence you will take the risk of trial and error method to take up new work in your case an assignment for an introductory psychology class - even if you fail in that you wont mind because you will takke the onus of your behaviour, efforts and study and not blame others for it

Similarly when a person has external locus of control something called as Learned Helplessness comes into picture - general belief that one is incapable of accomplishing tasks and has little or no control of the environment.

example of assignment prep for introductory psychology class - If you fail you shall feel the teacher doesnt like me or wants to mock on me in from of the class or any other external reason like my friend was ill - didn't get time to prep etc .

Hence your locus of control will be a determing factor in how your design to the assignment wil change.