What is an example of vicarious experience in the context of self-efficacy?

Vicarious experience in the context of self-efficacy refers to the process of gaining confidence or belief in one's ability to succeed by observing others, particularly those who are perceived as similar to oneself. When an individual watches someone who shares similar characteristics or challenges succeed, it can enhance their own belief in their ability to achieve similar outcomes. This is based on the idea that if others can succeed, then one can also likely succeed in comparable situations.

In this context, witnessing someone similar excelling can serve as motivation, demonstrating that success is attainable. This observation can effectively boost self-efficacy, leading individuals to take on challenges that they might have previously avoided. The other options, while potentially related to self-efficacy, do not represent vicarious experience. Completing a challenging task illustrates personal achievement, receiving praise from others provides external validation, and having a positive emotional state influences motivation and perception but does not involve learning through observation of others.