Harter (1981) identified anomalies in the accuracy of perceived competence in his early research using the Perceived Competence Scale for Children (PCSC). Harter (1981) designed a cross-sectional study to validate the PCSC (ages 8–15) against teacher ratings in the cognitive, social, and physical domains. The study found that younger children overestimated their perceived competence, yet accuracy showed linear improvement with age (Harter, 1981). Harter (1981) contributed greater accuracy to cognitive development where children can better understand the difference between effort and ability. However, the study did not address the implications when perceived and actual skills do not