Sources of collective and individual efficacy of collegiate athletes

The purpose of this study was to examine sources of information athletes select for self‐efficacy and collective efficacy information, the potential for additional categories of efficacy information, and patterns of sources among individual players or teams. Information was collected from 34 women collegiate basketball players prior to 12 basketball games. Results indicated that players do not choose the same sources for collective efficacy judgments as they choose for self‐efficacy judgments. The main difference between individual and collective efficacy sources occurs for sources outside of basketball, with these sources being more important than social comparisons for self‐efficacy, but less important than social comparisons for collective efficacy. Past performance was the most important source of information for both personal and collective efficacy. Players referred to previous practice performance more often than previous game performance. Discussion focuses on theoretical implications and practical application for coaches and athletes.