1. Julian Rotter’s Expectancy-Value Theory
Chapter 12
Julian Rotter’s
Expectancy-Value Theory

2. Introduction Behavioral approach
Intended to provide way to predict or explain behavior
Attempt to apply social learning principles (Bandura) to study of complex social behaviors

3. Expectancy-Value Theory
Starting point
Moved away from instinct-based theories (Psychoanalysis) and drive-based theories (Behaviorism)
Started with law of effect  people are motivated to seek out reinforcement and to avoid unpleasant consequences
Personality represents interaction between ind and environment
Personality (for Rotter) = relatively stable set of potentials for responding to situations in particular way

4. Expectancy-Value Theory (cont’d)
Our behavior (behavior potential) is function of expectancy + value
Behavior potential = likelihood of engaging in particular behavior
Expectancy = ind’s belief that beh will lead to particular outcome (reinforcement)
“If I study, I will get a good grade.”
Prior experiences and generalizations
Engage in beh that has greatest likelihood of paying off (has highest expectancy)
Subjective probability—does ind think it will

5. Expectancy-Value Theory (cont’d)
Our behavior is function of expectancy + value
Reinforcement value = how desirable is particular reinforcement
“Getting good grades matters to me.”
Does it matter to ind?
Will engage in behaviors that lead to consequences with high reinforcement value
Subjective – does it matter to ind
So, likelihood of person engaging in behavior is function of probability that beh will lead to given outcome and desirability of that outcome

6. Expectancy-Value Theory (cont’d)
Psychological situation
Characteristics of situation also influence likelihood of behavior
Diff people will interpret same situation differently
Remember, interaction of ind and environment
Questions to consider
Will reinforcement occur?
Is it available?
E.g., when child falls down does he cry?

7. Expectancy-Value Theory (cont’d)
Locus of Control = perceived degree of control one has over reinforcement
Generalized expectancy
Cross-situational
What determines whether reinforced? Self or environment
Cautions
Locus of control not typology
Locus of control may predict beh across situations, but ind may act differently in one situation

8. Expectancy-Value Theory (cont’d)
Locus of control (cont’d)
Internal locus of control = belief that you significantly influence whether or not goal is achieved or reinforcement given
Hard work pays off mentality
External locus of control = belief that outside factors influence whether reinforcement is given
Right place, right time mentality
Both can be beneficial, depending on situation
Social psychology and attribution research