How does Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy relate to your pursuit of obtaining your terminal degree? What strategies can you use to improve your self-efficacy in your academic research and writing?Self-efficacy refers to what we believe we are capable of doing. People with high self-efficacy set challenging goals and commit to achieving them, which is what I did when I enrolled in this degree program. If I did not have a high sense of self-efficacy, I could have talked myself out of the program by claiming that it was too difficult or believing that nothing good would come from it. Instead, I believed in myself and worked through all the obstacles that I faced along the way.

Self-efficacy is also associated with the ability to manage stress, because setbacks and failures are not as overwhelming when we believe that all we need to do is try again a little harder or acquire new skills to succeed on our next try (Bandura, 1994). As much as I do believe in myself in some areas of life, I can improve my self-efficacy by developing new skills. I have also learned that small setbacks are not the end of the world, because in the big picture, I still have self-efficacy,...

To improve my self-efficacy in academic research and writing, I need to practice more, and look for a good mentor or adviser who can help provide me with the tools I need to achieve my goals. I also need to set new goals for myself, and place my academic research into the broader context of my overall career goals. As I work towards my long-term goals, I will develop a greater sense of confidence in my own capabilities to succeed.
What are the most significant points from Chomsky's critique on Skinner? Do you agree or disagree with Chomsky's critique of Skinner? Why or why not?

Chomsky’s critique of Skinner is quite complex, and reveals a deep understanding of the goals and methods of psychology. The most significant point Chomsky makes is related to the seeming oversimplification of Skinner’s brand of behaviorism. Chomsky believed that Skinner was basing his entire view of human behavior and learning on simplistic stimulus-response activity, and Chomsky wanted to show…