2. Julian Rotter ( )
Background:
major in chemistry at Brooklyn College
met Adler and switched to psychology
1941: Ph.D. from Indiana U.
Cognitive processes
1947: the first to use the term "social learning theory"
cognitive approach to behaviorism

3. Julian Rotter 1972
Took into account people work to attain goals both because of the consequences (rewards) & thoughts and perceptions about outcomes and its likelihood
Outcome expectancy: positive result
Reinforcement value: how much we value the expected reinforcement

4. Julian Rotter invokes the existence of subjective experiences
criticized Skinners study of single subjects in isolation
relies on rigorous, well-controlled laboratory research
studies only human subjects in social interaction

5. Julian Rotter deals with cognitive processes more extensively
than Bandura
both external stimuli and the reinforcement they
provide can affect behavior
cognitive factors affect the nature and extent of
that influence

6. Four Cognitive Principles Determine Behaviors
expectation of amount and kind of reinforcement
estimation of probability that behavior will lead to particular
reinforcement
differential values of reinforcers and assessment of their
relative worth
unique aspects of values are ascribed to reinforcers
by individuals

7. Behavior Potential
Likelihood that a particular behavior will occur in a specific situation
Specific expectancy-follow a behavior in a particular situation
Generalized expectancy-related to group situations
Use more generalized expectancies in new situations and use specific when situations become familiar

8. Rotter’s Psychological Needs arising out of Biological Needs
Recognition – status (need to achieve, seen as competent, positive social standing)
Dominance (need to control, have power & influence)
Independence (need to make decisions for oneself)
Protection-dependency (need to have others give one security and help one achieve goals)
Love & Affection (need to be liked & cared for)
Physical comfort (need to avoid pain, seek pleasure, enjoy physical security & well being

9. Rotter’s Psychological Situation
Behavior potential, outcome expectancy & reinforcement potential
Power of situation in behavior
What is important is individual’s unique combination of potential behaviors and value to person
Person’s expectations & values interact with situational constraints which exert influence on behavior

10. Predictive Formula
Behavior Potential (BP), Expectancy (E) and Reinforcement Value (RV) can be combined into a predictive formula for behavior:
BP = f(E & RV)
The likelihood of a person exhibiting a particular behavior is a function of the probability that that behavior will lead to a given outcome and the desirability of that outcome.

11. Psychopathology
Pathology can develop due to difficulties at any point in the predictive formula.
Behavior can be maladaptive because the individual never learned more adaptive behaviors.
Expectancies can lead to pathology when they are irrationally low. If people have low expectancies, they do not believe their behaviors will be reinforced; consequently, they put little effort into their behaviors. If they don’t succeed, they are likely to fail, thus confirming their low expectancies. This leads to a vicious cycle.

12. Psychopathology (cont.)
Reinforcement Value problems can also lead to psychopathology. If people set unrealistically high and unobtainable goals, they are likely to experience frequent failure, leading to a vicious cycle.

13. Freedom of Movement
The “mean expectancy of obtaining positive satisfactions as a result of a set of related behaviors directed toward obtaining a group of functionally related reinforcements”
The ability to achieve desired results

14. Minimal Goal
“The lowest goal in a continuum of potential reinforcements for some life situation or situations which will be perceived as a satisfaction”

15. Psychological Maladjustment
Low Freedom of Movement + High Minimal Goal = Frustration and Psychopathology
On the other hand:
High Freedom of Movement + Realistic Minimal Goal = Optimal Adjustment

16. Internal vs External Locus of Control
Internal locus of control: generalized expectancy that individual’s actions will lead to desired outcome-achievement oriented and high achievers
External locus of control: belief that things outside of individual determine whether a desired outcome will occur based on-less independent, depressed, stressed-hand over control to:
Powerful others
Luck or Chance

17. Locus of Control Found to be important in: Academic Performance
Career Choices, Performance and Status
Social Relationships
Physical Health
Psychological Health

18. Locus of Control (cont.)
Although an internal loc has generally been found to be more beneficial, extremes at either end can be a problem, and flexibility (basing our beliefs on the realistic nature of the situation) is probably the most adaptive style.