Learning Approach to Personality Behaviorism John B Watson

Learning Approach to Personality

Behaviorism • John B. Watson – external factors shape our behaviors and personality. • B. F. Skinner – Our personality is molded by reinforcements given to us. • The environment shapes who we are. • Socialization – Process where people learn desirable behaviors of their culture and adopt them as a part of their personalities. • Skinner said we aren’t really free – society shapes us early on to want what is good for society through rewards and punishments.

Social-Learning Theory • Albert Bandura – We learn our personality by observing and imitating others. • People act to influence their environment (opposite of behaviorism). • Internal Factors influence how we act in certain situations: – Skills – physical and social abilities – Values – How value the outcome of our behaviors will influence how we act (if you value good grades you do your homework) – Goals – Our behavior is determined by how to attain a goal. – Expectations – our predictions of what will happen in certain situations influences behavior – Self-Efficacy Expectations – Belief in yourself (self confidence) influences how we act.

Evaluating Learning Approach • Makes personality more scientific by focusing on observable behaviors in people. • Critics argue Behaviorism does not give enough credit to our mental processes or feelings.