Optimistic self-evaluation regarding the ability to carry out tasks is important for success in various fields of human endeavour. When people do such self-evaluations and form self-efficacy perceptions, they make use of information from various sources. According to theories relating to self-evaluation, people engaged in forming such perceptions about themselves largely depend on information gained through social comparison. However, theories of self-efficacy emphasise the importance of self-referenced information, such as those formed through mastery experiences. The purpose in this study is to examine the sources of information used in forming self-efficacy perceptions. In an experiment (N =1 723) modelled on the Solomon Four-group Design, three types of information likely to influence perceptions were supplied to three experimental groups; there were five control groups. The effects of the interventions were measured by means of a questionnaire. Results indicated that perceptions of self-efficacy are more profoundly influenced by self-referenced information than by social comparisons. It was also found that additional information did not have a cumulative effect during the forming of self-efficacy perceptions. Finally, the implications of the results with respect to practical and theoretical viewpoints are discussed.
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