FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)Human Behavior and Effective CommunicationHard
A student who received consistently harsh, critical feedback from a previous flight instructor now doubts her own abilities and hesitates to attempt new maneuvers, even though her current performance is objectively strong. This pattern illustrates how which factor most directly shaped this student's self-concept?
- AThe student's physical flying skills alone
- BFeedback and evaluation received from significant others
- CRandom chance unrelated to training experiences
- DInnate personality traits present from birth
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Feedback and evaluation received from significant others
Self-concept is largely shaped by how a person believes others perceive them, especially feedback from significant figures such as instructors. Repeated harsh criticism can create a negative self-image that persists even when actual performance improves.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Her actual flying skill is strong, showing the doubt stems from perception, not ability.
- C. This outcome is a predictable psychological pattern, not random chance.
- D. Self-concept is learned through experience and feedback, not fixed at birth.
Self-Concept
An individual's perception of their own abilities, worth, and identity, which is strongly shaped by feedback and evaluation from others, especially authority figures.
- Negative feedback can create lasting self-doubt independent of actual performance
- Instructors play a major role in shaping a student's self-concept
- A positive learning environment helps build accurate, healthy self-concept
Memory trick: Others' Words Build Your World (feedback from others shapes self-image)