1. Learning Approach to Personality

2. Behaviorism
John B. Watson – external factors shape our behaviors and personality.
B.F. Skinner – Our personality is molded by reinforcements given to us.
The environment shapes who we are.
Socialization – Process where people learn desirable behaviors of their culture and adopt them as a part of their personalities.
Skinner said we aren’t really free – society shapes us early on to want what is good for society through rewards and punishments.

3. Social-Learning Theory
Albert Bandura – We learn our personality by observing and imitating others.
People act to influence their environment (opposite of behaviorism).
Internal Factors influence how we act in certain situations:
Skills – physical and social abilities
Values – How value the outcome of our behaviors will influence how we act (if you value good grades you do your homework)
Goals – Our behavior is determined by how to attain a goal.
Expectations – our predictions of what will happen in certain situations influences behavior
Self-Efficacy Expectations – Belief in yourself (self confidence) influences how we act.

4. Evaluating Learning Approach
Makes personality more scientific by focusing on observable behaviors in people.
Critics argue Behaviorism does not give enough credit to our mental processes or feelings.