Final answer:
Bill's belief that his test success is due to his "lucky" socks is an example of superstitious behavior, which attributes outcomes to unrelated rituals or objects instead of one's own abilities or efforts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Superstitious behavior involves attributing success or failure to rituals, objects, or beliefs that are not logically related to the task at hand. In Bill's case, he attributes his success on the test to his "lucky" socks rather than his preparedness or knowledge of the subject matter. This attribution is not based on any rational connection between wearing the socks and the likelihood of doing well on a scholastic test. Superstition can be seen as a form of external locus of control, where outcomes are attributed to forces outside oneself, such as luck or fate. However, superstitious behavior specifically refers to beliefs and practices that have become ritualized or objectified and are incorrectly believed to influence outcomes.
In many cases, this kind of behavior can create a false sense of security or control over unpredictable events, leading individuals to overestimate the impact of their superstitious actions while underestimating other more significant factors like effort and knowledge.