Abstract
This report presents results of correlational analyses bearing on the construct validity of the Estimate of Self-Competence (ESC) scale which was designed to measure generalized expectancy of task success. Three groups of university students completed the ESC and a variety of other measures. People with high ESC scores report stronger expectations of performing well in a university course if they apply effort, are more internal in their locus of control, and score higher on measures of self-assurance and self-confidence. They have self-perceptions similar to those of people with high levels of ability even though they may not possess more ability than people with low ESC scores. Although they tend to score somewhat higher on a measure of social desirability, it does not account for these findings. In addition, the ESC is correlated with other scales that seem to measure facets of drive and task-related motivation. Taken together, these results provide evidence for the validity of the ESC as a measure of generalized expectancy of task success.
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