Human behaviour is a rather interesting and, at times, unpredictable phenomenon. Unsurprisingly, it has become the topic of discussion for many scientists. Certainly, each one of them has expressed different viewpoints and explanations on the matter. Some of them are rather identical, while others are complete opposites of each other. In the following post, I will review the perspectives of Bandura, Michel and Rotter. For the latter, I will use the I/E scale test.
Michel believed that a person’s behavior can be defined by the features of the situation and the individual’s perception of it. His model involved 5 variables that may predict one’s behaviour: competencies, cognitive strategies, expectancies, subjective values and self-regulatory systems. For example, when I am in an unpleasant and inescapable conversation, I do my best to approach it diplomatically, to avoid any conflicts. Thus, the inevitability of the interaction and my values stop me from leaving it. Michel’s approach to diversity is rather interesting, as he acknowledges different ways in which people defined themselves (Allen, 2015). For example, he stated that East Asians defined themselves by social roles, while westerners used personality traits to do so. That way, one can see how he viewed cultures and their influence on one’s behavior.
Rotter’s internal-external locus of control defines how one perceives situations, thus predicting their future actions. People who lean towards the internal part believe that the reinforcement of their deeds is defined by what they do and who they are as people (Allen, 2015). The external locus, on the other hand, states that actions are reinforced by fate or luck. According to the scale, I am leaning more towards the former. I believe that it can predict my behavior, as I do believe that the outcomes depend on my deeds and personality.
Bandura believed that a person’s actions can be predicted by the environment, while acknowledging that the actions may impact said environment as well. For example, a person’s anger issues may be caused by them experiencing abuse at home. When one expresses said anger, their peers may either fight back or start fearing said individual. Thus, the person’s environment is drastically changed by the aforementioned aggression.
Reference
Allen, B. P. (2015). Personality theories: Development, growth, and diversity. Psychology Press.