Rotter’s Expectancy-Reinforcement
BIOGRAPHY
He sought to combine Hull's “Drive Reduction Theory” and Operant learning
theory with Kurt Lewin’s “Field Theory.”
Drive reduction theory - E = H x D the probability of a behavior occurring (E) is a
function of habit strength (H) and drive strength (D).
Field theory - behavior is determined by numerous interacting environmental and
personal factors.
The “locus of control” concept has clearly been his most significant contribution.
CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES
1. “behavior potential” - probability that a behavior will occur. It is a function of
(a) expectancy (e.g., that outcome will be positive) and (b) perceived value of
reinforcer.
2. “expectancy” - probability of a given outcome (e.g., that I will win the lottery),
mainly “based on past experience”.
3. “reinforcement value” - how attractive a given reinforcer is (e.g., filet mignon
vs. hamburger), also mainly “based on past experience”.
4. “psychological situation” - the current situation as perceived by the individual.
5. “freedom of movement” - expectations relating to specific behaviors and
outcomes.
High - we expect our behaviors will lead to success and reinforcement.
Low - we expect our behaviors will lead to failure and NO reinforcement.
6. “minimal goal” - lowest level of reinforcement that a goal can have and still be
worth pursuing.
PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT
Development: - parents are important in developing expectancies.
rejection - leads to LOW expectations for success.
overindulgence - leads to UNREALISTICALLY HIGH expectations for success.
ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES
Internal vs. External locus of control - people see events and reinforcements as
being (a) under their own control “INTERNAL” or (b) under the control of outside
forces “EXTERNAL.”
I-E scale - a set of forced choice questions to assess locus orientation.
characteristics of internals - socially adept, persistent, physically and
psychologically
healthy, etc. In general, it seems better to be internal.
Down side to having an internal locus of control - internals may experience more
self -blame and guilt when confronted with negative events that REALLY are
beyond their control.
THEORY’S IMPLICATIONS FOR THERAPY
In general, disturbed people elicit negative reactions from others because of how
they
behave. Behaviors are a function of beliefs (cognitions) so a variety of cognitive
and/or behavioral methods would be indicated.
Evaluation:
Heuristic value - a great deal of research has been done on the I- E concept.
Overall, Rotter scores high marks with our author (Ryckman). I'm less
impressed.
Bandura’s Social-Cognitive Theory
BIOGRAPHY
while at Stanford University, he developed his “social cognitive approach.”
He has done much research into the determinants of aggressive behavior. “Self
efficacy” is another one of his important concepts.
CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES
triadic reciprocal determinism - (1) cognitions, (2) behaviors, and (3) environment
all interact and are determinants of each other.
anticipated outcomes - similar to Rotter’s concept of “expectancy.”
Expectations play an important role in determining behavior.
observational learning - we can learn by watching behaviors of others and
consequences, we need not be directly reinforced to learn.