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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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