Behavioural and social‐cognitive learning theories of personality Flashcards
Behavioural Personality Approach
Personality = learned behaviours and attitudes, controlled by environments
Classical conditioning
Body prepared to react to reflexively to stimuli (Stimulus–>Reflex–> Reaction
Discrimination & generalisation (in classical conditioning)
New responses can be learned ie alcohol –> having fun
Emotional conditioning
emotional reactions to stimuli - what makes uniqueness in personality
Skinner’s theory (ideographic)
instrumental conditioning as children: positive, negative reinforcement and punishment
Skinner’s adult personality (ideographic)
consistent behaviour pattern traced back to childhood. Therefore product of punishment/reinforcement
Skinner’s view on mental health (ideographic)
Because of childhood, not learning the proper responses to stress
Behavioural therapy and approaches
Rationale: A person cannot be fearful and relaxed at the same time.
Not interested in why only how, where and what type of maladaptive behaviour.
Token economy
positive reinforcement of target behaviour = Operant conditioning.
Social-cognitive theories background
cognitive information processing is as important as external factors. Cognition as a mediator between stimulus and response.
Emphasises the way in which information is processed, organised, stored and retrieved.
Cognitive schemata
Cognitive representations or prototypes (ie English person - polite)
Positive stereotype leads to friendly behaviour and vice versa.
Behavioural potential
= Reinforcement value x expectancy
Locus of control expectancies
internal: outcome result of own resources
external: outcome result of outside forces (no control)
Expectancy-evaluation theory
Internal locus people more likely to succeed etc than external.
When little or no control is possible –> external more adaptive
Efficacy expectancies
Bandura (1977):
People know what to do, but need confidence to show behaviour.
Situation specific
