The joint effect of expectations and performance on efficacy beliefs

Abstract This experiment examined how perceptions of advantage and disadvantage, as well as their interaction with a performance outcome, affect change in efficacy beliefs in a competitive situation. Perceptions of advantageous or disadvantageous opening positions were experimentally manipulated (keeping the actual positions equal) while performance was observed. Perceiving an advantage decreased post-performance self-efficacy and reduced reliance on ego-protecting strategies. These effects are explained by attribution processes.