Personality - Social Cognitive

Question 1

What perspective dominated most areas of psychology for the first half of the twentieth century?

Answer 1

Learning theory

Learning theory suggests that personality results from learned responses to patterns of reinforcement.

Question 2

What is the basis for the development of social cognitive approaches to personality?

Answer 2

The growing agreement that cognition is important in understanding human behavior

Particularly in relation to personality.

Question 3

Who developed one of the first theories of personality that included cognition?

Answer 3

Julian Rotter

Rotter’s work in 1954 contributed significantly to personality psychology.

Question 4

According to Rotter’s expectancy theory, what two factors influence behavior?

Answer 4

Expectancies for reinforcement and the values placed on particular reinforcers

These factors help determine choices such as studying for an exam or going to a party.

Question 5

What term did Rotter coin to describe generalized expectations about control over rewards and punishments?

Answer 5

Locus of control

This concept differentiates between internal and external locus of control.

Question 6

What do individuals with an internal locus of control believe?

Answer 6

They influence outcomes

For example, believing that hard work leads to a promotion.

Question 7

What do individuals with an external locus of control believe?

Answer 7

Outcomes result from forces beyond their control

For instance, viewing a promotion as a result of luck.

Question 8

What theory did Albert Bandura propose regarding personality?

Answer 8

Reciprocal determinism

This theory emphasizes the interaction of personality factors with the situation.

Question 9

What are the three factors that influence behavior according to Bandura?

Answer 9

• Current environment
• Multiple person factors
• Behavior affects the environment

These factors collectively determine how personality is expressed.

Question 10

In Bandura’s model, how does the environment affect behavior at a party?

Answer 10

The specific features of the environment interact with individual characteristics

For example, not knowing most people at the party may influence one’s behavior.

Question 11

What is an example of a person factor that might influence behavior at a social event?

Answer 11

Being outgoing and sociable

These traits can lead to positive reinforcement in social situations.

Question 12

How does behavior affect the environment in Bandura’s reciprocal determinism?

Answer 12

Behavior can make the environment more enjoyable for others

For instance, being friendly can enhance the social atmosphere at a party.

Question 13

If any of the three factors in Bandura’s model change, what happens?

Answer 13

Behavior will also change

Changes in environment, person factors, or behavior itself can lead to different responses.