Chapter 12

Julian Rotter’s Expectancy-Value Theory

Introduction

Behavioral approach Intended to provide way to predict or

explain behavior Attempt to apply social learning

principles (Bandura) to study of complex social behaviors

Expectancy-Value Theory Starting point

Moved away from instinct-based theories (Psychoanalysis) and drive-based theories (Behaviorism)

Started with law of effect people are motivated to seek out reinforcement and to avoid unpleasant consequences

Personality represents interaction between ind and environment

Personality (for Rotter) = relatively stable set of potentials for responding to situations in particular way

Expectancy-Value Theory (cont’d) Our behavior (behavior potential) is

function of expectancy + value Behavior potential = likelihood of engaging

in particular behavior Expectancy = ind’s belief that beh will lead

to particular outcome (reinforcement) “If I study, I will get a good grade.” Prior experiences and generalizations Engage in beh that has greatest likelihood of

paying off (has highest expectancy) Subjective probability—does ind think it will

Expectancy-Value Theory (cont’d) Our behavior is function of expectancy + value

Reinforcement value = how desirable is particular reinforcement “Getting good grades matters to me.” Does it matter to ind? Will engage in behaviors that lead to consequences

with high reinforcement value Subjective – does it matter to ind

So, likelihood of person engaging in behavior is function of probability that beh will lead to given outcome and desirability of that outcome

Expectancy-Value Theory (cont’d) Psychological situation

Characteristics of situation also influence likelihood of behavior

Diff people will interpret same situation differently

Remember, interaction of ind and environment Questions to consider

Will reinforcement occur? Is it available? E.g., when child falls down does he cry?

Expectancy-Value Theory (cont’d) Locus of Control = perceived degree of

control one has over reinforcement Generalized expectancy Cross-situational What determines whether reinforced? Self

or environment Cautions

Locus of control not typology Locus of control may predict beh across

situations, but ind may act differently in one situation

Expectancy-Value Theory (cont’d) Locus of control (cont’d)

Internal locus of control = belief that you significantly influence whether or not goal is achieved or reinforcement given Hard work pays off mentality

External locus of control = belief that outside factors influence whether reinforcement is given Right place, right time mentality

Both can be beneficial, depending on situation Social psychology and attribution research