ISSN : 1229-0718
The purpose of this study to investigate the accuracy of preschooler's(4-year-olds ; N=54)efficacy predications by examining not only task outcome but also task performance(task choices and persistence of its performance) on a bowling game. Three points underlying the level of accurate efficacy predictions were examined. Those examined were the relation between preschooler's efficacy predictions and task outcome, the effects of task outcome on preschooler's efficacy predictions, and the effects of preschooler's efficacy predictions on task performance. Results indicated that preschooler's efficacy predictions were uncorrelated with task outcomes and most children overpredict their task outcome. Bot they made more realistic efficacy predictions by using information of task outcome. Efficacy of choiced task was significantly higher than it of non-choiced task. Performance of the former was more persistent than it of the latter, though midterm scores of both was equivalent Consequently, it can be proposed that preschooler's overpredictions rely more on motivation problems in their efficacy predictions than on cognitive problems. Preshooler's efficacy predictions are highly accurate predictors of subsequent behavioral performance.