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Influences and Motivations for Behavior: Learning Theories

Explore the beliefs of learning theorists regarding the influences on and motivations for behavior, including behaviorism and social-learning theory. Discover how external forces, reinforcement, socialization, and internal factors like skills, values, goals, expectations, and self-efficacy shape our preferences and actions.

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Influences and Motivations for Behavior: Learning Theories

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  1. Ch. 14 S. 3 The Learning Approach Obj: Describe what learning theorists believe are the influences on and motivations for behavior.

  2. Behaviorism • John B. Watson claimed that external forces or influences –not internal influences such as traits or inner conflict – largely shape people’s preferences and behavior.

  3. B.F. Skinner agreed that we should pay attention to how organisms behave and avoid trying to see within people’s minds. • He also emphasized the effects of reinforcement on behavior.

  4. He claimed that environmental influences, such as parental approval and social custom, condition or shape us into wanting some things and not wanting others. • Socialization – is the process by which people learn the socially desirable behaviors of their particular culture and adopt them as part of their personalities.

  5. Skinner believed that no one is really free. We may think of ourselves as being free because we can go after what we want and get it. But in his view, we are shaped into wanting what is good for society at an early age.

  6. Social-Learning Theory • Social-learning theorists focus on the importance of learning by observation and on the role of the cognitive processes that produce individual differences.

  7. Unlike behaviorists, who believe that people are at the mercy of their environment, social-learning theorists argue that people can act intentionally to influence the environment.

  8. According to social-learning theorists, behavior is not based solely on what is learned from observation. Internal variables also influence how we act in certain situations.

  9. These internal factors include the following: • Skills: skills include a person’s physical and social abilities. • Values: The value we put on the outcome of a certain behavior affects how we act. For example, if you value good grades, you will study. • Goals: We regulate ourselves by setting goals. Once the goal is set, we plan the most effective way to achieve it.

  10. Expectations: Expectations are predictions of what will happen in certain situations. • Self-efficacy expectations: Refers to beliefs people have about themselves. For example, if you believe that you are a good speaker, you will be motivated to speak before the class assembly.

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