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 FactorsSkills: Physical and Social AbilitiesValues: 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 NegativeOutcome 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 FactorsBehaviorsEnvironmental Factors

EvaluationFocus on actions that can be tested and measuredExamine the conditions that promote learningHave shown a connection between reinforcement and learningDevised methods for helping individuals solve psychological problemsLimited in their ability to explain personalityDoesn’t acknowledge the richness of inner human experience, nor describe or explain itDo 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 TheoryBased 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.