Julian Rotter: Social Learning Theory and Locus Control

Alternative Theoretical Positions and Application

Social learning theory, also known as Julian Rotters theory of personality and social learning theory, posits that an individuals behavior is a product of the interplay between personal factors and environmental influences. According to Rotter, personal factors include both internal (e.g., thoughts, emotions) and external (e.g., reinforcement) variables, while environmental influences refer to the situational or contextual factors in which a person acts.

Ones locus of control is another important concept in social learning theory; it refers to the extent to which an individual believes that he or she can control his or her own destiny. Those with an internal locus of control believe that they can influence their own outcomes through their actions, while those with an external locus of control believe that their outcomes are determined by forces beyond their control.

The concepts of social learning theory have been found to be applicable in a wide variety of settings, from education to clinical psychology. In general, social learning theory provides a useful framework for understanding how both personal and environmental factors contribute to human behavior.

There are a number of alternative theoretical positions to social learning theory and locus of control. One such position is cognitive dissonance theory, which posits that people are motivated to reduce inconsistency between their beliefs and behaviors. For example, someone who smokes cigarettes despite believing that they are harmful may experience cognitive dissonance. In order to reduce this inconsistency, the individual may change their belief about cigarettes (e.g., theyre not really that bad for me) or their behavior (e.g., quitting smoking) (Harmon-Jones & Harmon-Jones, 2012).

Another alternative position is self-efficacy theory, which suggests that peoples beliefs about their ability to perform certain tasks affects their motivation to engage in those tasks (Maddox, 1995). For instance, someone who believes that they are not good at math may be less likely to put effort into studying for a math test. These are just a few of the many alternative theoretical positions to social learning theory and locus of control.

Evaluation: Alternative Theoretical Positions

The cognitive dissonance theory posits that people have a natural tendency to seek consistency between their thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. When there is a discrepancy between these three elements, it creates a state of cognitive dissonance, which can lead people to change their thoughts, beliefs, or behaviors in order to reduce the dissonance. The self-efficacy theory states that peoples beliefs about their ability to carry out certain actions affect their subsequent performance. People who believe they are capable of successfully completing a task are more likely to actually do so than those who doubt their abilities. Both of these theories have been supported by a great deal of research. In general, the cognitive dissonance theory seems to be more applicable to situations in which people are trying to reduce inconsistency within themselves, while the self-efficacy theory is more relevant when considering...

…of these other theories. Social learning theory emphasizes the role of observation and imitation in human behavior, while locus of control focuses on an individual's belief about their ability to control their environment. These perspectives provide a more comprehensive explanation of human behavior than cognitive dissonance or self-efficacy theory alone.

Evaluation: Contemporary Relevance

Social learning theory and locus of control are thus two theories that attempt to explain human behavior. Both theories have their strengths and weaknesses, but they each offer a unique perspective on human nature. Cognitive dissonance theory posits that humans are motivated to reduce the inconsistency between their beliefs and their actions. This theory can help to explain why people may seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs, even if those beliefs are inaccurate. Self-efficacy theory, on the other hand, suggests that humans are motivated by the belief that they can effectively influence their environment. This theory can explain why people often persevere in the face of adversity, even when the odds are against them.

Despite being formulated over 40 years ago, social learning theory remains relevant today. In our increasingly connected world, we are constantly observing the behavior of others through social media and other platforms. We are also bombarded with messages telling us that we need to buy certain products or behave in certain ways in order to be happy and successful. It is therefore unsurprising that many people today have an external locus of control. To counter this, it is important to…