Rotter

Question 1

interactionist view

Answer 1

personality is a set of potentials for responding to meaningful environment –> cannot talk about the person independent of the person’s env bc personality is a set of potentials that prepare ppl to respond to the env in certain ways

–> the meaning of our env is determined by past learning experiences –> what happened in the past influences how you will respond in the present

Question 2

social learning theory

Answer 2

Personality is an interaction of both the individual and the environment; thus, personality is learned/developed over time through experiences in life and is somewhat stable.

-excludes non-psychological concepts –> personality is not just internal characteristics we carry around with us
-personality is a set of potentials for reacting to social situations
-people are always continuously changing with new experiences
-behavior is not just overt motor action –> behavior = words, thoughts, emotions, verbalizations, & facial expressions

Question 3

behavior potential

Answer 3

The likelihood that a particular behavior is going to occur in a given situation in relation to a particular reinforcer/outcome

–> BP = f (E & RV)
–>low BP = unlike to engage in behavior
–>high BP = likely to engage in behavior
–>a function of expectancy and RV
–>we have several BPs in any situation (ie.., many possible actions and outcomes/reinforcers)
–>we act in accordance with the strongest BP bc we are always seeking to maximize reinforcement

Question 4

expectancy (E)

Answer 4

The subjective idea about the probability that the behavior will lead to a particular reinforcer in a given situation, as determined by our previous experiences

–>subjective bc we do not always have an accurate pic about how likely an outcome is
–>determined by previous experiences (failure = lowers E, success = raises E)

Question 5

E’ (E prime)

Answer 5

most specific expectancy, based on prior experience in that exact situation

Question 6

generalized expectancy (GE)

Answer 6

Expectancy based on experiences in similar situations - 2 dimensions:
–>physical characteristics* of situation/setting
–>perceived similarity** of situation/psychological meaning

Question 7

reinforcement value (RV)

Answer 7

Degree of preference for an outcome to occur if probabilities of outcomes occurring are equal

–>there are many potential reinforcers in any situation, but ppl differ in their values placed on them –> RV of the same behavior differs depending on the individual’s experience in the past
–>reinforcements are not isolated, always tied to future reinforcers, as we derive some value from later outcomes (e.g., A in class tied to going to PhD program)

Question 8

psychological situation

Answer 8

Individual differences in how situations are perceived, including the type of and preference for reinforcers available and the appropriate behaviors for obtaining reinforcement.

-ppl have different ideas about what reinforcers they want and how they will get those reinforceres
-not a measurable variable, is a part of all of Rotter’s variables

Question 9

needs

Answer 9

cross-situational groups of potentials related to obtaining same or similar sets of reinforcers

NP = f (FM & NV)

Question 10

need potential (NP)

Answer 10

the sum of many BPs; the likelihood of exhibiting a class of behaviors to get a set of goals

Question 11

freedom of movement

Answer 11

the average of many expectancies (Es); the likelihood learned behaviors will result in a class of reinforcers; FM = how likely is it that ppl can meet that need?

Question 12

need value

Answer 12

sum of many RVs; desirability of a group of reinforcers - how important is it to the person?

Question 13

irreal behavior

Answer 13

illogical or unrealistic behavior that distorts reality; achieve goals through fantasy and defense –> using fantasy as a defense to get what you want –> done when you feel like you cannot obtain goals thru real action –> symptoms of pathology

Question 14

minimal goal

Answer 14

least reinforcement that is still satisfaction/positive (slightly more positive than neutral); least acceptable satisfaction

Question 15

psychopathology (Rotter)

Answer 15

-root cause = high NV & low FM –> avoidance or irreal behaviors to reduce tension –> vicious cycle
-too high MGs or goals in conflict
-external locus of control
-irrationally low E = incorrect GEs –> base perceptions of yourself on past experiences that may not be relevant anymore

Question 16

response expectancy (Kirsch)

Answer 16

anticipation of automatic, subjective response to a situational cue

–> belief itself determines whether you have that response (i.e., belief directly causes expected response)
–> belief about lack of control leads to less control
–> merely trying to suppress RE –> more likely to have a dreaded response
–>, e.g., placebo effect = RE –> belief that the med will work makes you have that response