Learning Approach to Personality
Behaviorism
• John B. Watson – external factors shape our
behaviors and personality.
• B.F. Skinner – Our personality is molded by
reinforcements given to us.
• The environment shapes who we are.
• Socialization – Process where people learn
desirable behaviors of their culture and adopt them
as a part of their personalities.
• Skinner said we aren’t really free – society shapes
us early on to want what is good for society
through rewards and punishments.
Social-Learning Theory
• Albert Bandura – We learn our personality by observing
and imitating others.
• People act to influence their environment (opposite of
behaviorism).
• Internal Factors influence how we act in certain
situations:
– Skills – physical and social abilities
– Values – How value the outcome of our behaviors will
influence how we act (if you value good grades you do your
homework)
– Goals – Our behavior is determined by how to attain a goal.
– Expectations – our predictions of what will happen in certain
situations influences behavior
– Self-Efficacy Expectations – Belief in yourself (self
confidence) influences how we act.
Evaluating Learning Approach
• Makes personality more scientific by
focusing on observable behaviors in people.
• Critics argue Behaviorism does not give
enough credit to our mental processes or
feelings.