The Learning Theories Behaviorism- belief that the proper subject matter of psychology is objectively observable behavior and nothing else. Social Learning Theory

Behaviorism Watson and Skinner Believed external forces largely shape people’s preferences and behavior Skinner stressed the effects of reinforcement Parental Approval or Social Customs Socialization – is the process by which people learn the socially desirable behaviors of their particular culture and adopt them as part of their personality. Believe people are at the mercy of their environment and have no free will.

B.F. Skinner: Behaviorism Focus on precisely what causes a person to act in specific ways. Does not focus on understanding behavior, but on predicting and controlling it. Believes aspects of personality are learned.

Skinner Approach Ask or observe the exact behavior the person is exhibiting. Understand the “Contingencies of Reinforcement” What conditions reinforce the behavior? How is the person being rewarded? Very popular because it is action oriented.

Social Cognitive Theory Albert Bandura Focus on the importance of learning by observation and on the role of the cognitive processes that produce individual differences. Direct Reinforcement of Behavior Argue that people can act intentionally to influence the environment. People engage in purposeful learning Internal variables exist also

Internal Factors Skills: Physical and Social Abilities Values: The importance we place on the outcome of a certain behavior affects how we act. What is important to the person influences their behavior. Goals: We plan the most effective way to reach our goals. Self-efficacy expectations: Beliefs people have about themselves. Positive or Negative Outcome Expectations: Predictions of what will happen in a certain situation. Cause and Effect

Reciprocal Determinism Reciprocal Determinism- Occurs among the observing individual, the behavior of that individual, and the environment in which the behavior occurs (see pg 390) Cognitive-Personal Factors Behaviors Environmental Factors

Evaluation Focus on actions that can be tested and measured Examine the conditions that promote learning Have shown a connection between reinforcement and learning Devised methods for helping individuals solve psychological problems Limited in their ability to explain personality Doesn’t acknowledge the richness of inner human experience, nor describe or explain it Do not give enough attention to the influence of genetic factors, emotions, and childhood experiences

Locus of Control Locus of Control- our beliefs about how much control we have over certain situations Internal Locus of Control-belief we have control of situations (less anxious, more content) External Locus of Control-belief that our fate is determined by outside forces beyond our control

Cognitive Theory Based on analysis of our own perceptions, thoughts, and feelings. George Kelly- based theory simply on an analysis of our perception of ourselves and our environment. Personality consists of our thoughts about ourselves. Personal Construct Theory – Ways each of us anticipate events. Our ideas of ourselves, others, and of our world shape our behavior and our personalities.