Behavioural and Social-cognitive learning theories of personality

Question 1

What is Skinner’s behavioural approach to personality?

Answer 1

Learned behaviours through reinforcement and punishment become consistent over time forming patterns (personality)

Question 2

How are behavioural approaches applied (Wople, 1950’s) and are they succesful?

Answer 2

• Desensitisation to correct maladaptive behaviours (fear hierarchy)
• Ignore cause and just treat symptoms

Question 3

What is the expectancy-evaluation theory (Rotter)?

Answer 3

• Situation; Individual appraisal
• Behaviour potential; The liklihood a certain behaviour will be shown
• Reinforcement value; Individual preference for a particular outcome
• Expectancy; Expected outcome based on previous experience
  NB Behavioural potential relies on interaction of reinforcement value and expectancy

Question 4

What is internal and external locus of control (Rotter)?

Answer 4

Internal; outcomes are result of self
- More likely to seek information
- More likely to get positive results
- Higher achievers
- Perform better under pressure
External; outcomes are result of outside forces

Question 5

What did Bandura say perceived self efficacy was based on?

Answer 5

• Prior performance accomplishments
• Vacarious learning
• Verbal persuasion
• Emotional arousal
• Is situation specific
• Is domain specific