Question 1

List some examples of observational learning from the case.

Accepted Answer

Joe has learned many things from his father including: how to be sloppy; how to lose things and not be able to find them; how to charm his way out of trouble; to ask for "special days;" and to ask for "libations."

Question 2

Apply Erikson's theory to Ruth's life.Which stages appear to have been completed successfully? Which were not? Explain.Compare Erikson's theory to Bandura's.

Accepted Answer

Ruth seems to have completed the majority of Erikson's stages successfully.Although the case does not go into detail about Ruth's childhood, one comes away with the impression that she was raised by loving parents and so most likely resolved the trust versus mistrust crisis of the first year in a positive manner.No mention is made of potty training but Ruth is described as independent and engaging in a number of physical activities a visually impaired person normally does not engage in.This suggests a sense of control over one's body, a characteristic of successful resolution of the autonomy versus shame/doubt crisis of the second stage.Ruth appears to have been self-motivated and so also, most likely, resolved the initiative versus guilt crisis of the third stage.The fourth stage involves the industry versus inferiority crisis and successful resolution of this stage results in feelings of competence, especially in intellectual, social and physical skills.As mentioned, Ruth appeared confident of her abilities in each of these regards.Ruth did form a sense of identity during the adolescence stage.She was most likely aided in this endeavor by her work as a teacher for the blind and later by her work at the newspaper stand she and her husband ran.Ruth resolved the crisis of intimacy versus isolation during early adulthood by marrying her husband Kevin.In middle adulthood, one meets the crisis of generativity versus isolation.Ruth also seems to have resolved this crisis positively.Although children often allow for a successful resolution of this crisis and Ruth did not have children, she appears to have some concern for future generations through her taking on of boarders like Drew.No mention is made of Ruth facing the integrity versus despair crisis of old age but considering her life experiences and the successful progression through the rest of Erikson's stages, she most likely felt a sense of satisfaction with her life.Erikson's theory focuses on social factors that influence behavior.While Bandura's theory also emphasizes the influence of social factors, it is more cognitive in nature than is Erikson's.

Question 3

How could Bandura's theory explain Joe's confidence in using computers and his competence in using them?

Accepted Answer

Joe's computer competency could be explained by modeling and by Bandura's concept of self-efficacy.Joe had high self-efficacy with regard to learning how to use the computer; the case stated that he had no reservations about it at all.His initial success at using the computer (enactive attainments) boosted his efficacy that in turn resulted in more proficiency.Seeing his father, and especially his classmates, use the computer (vicarious experiences) also boosted his efficacy, resulting in increased skill.Finally, Blake's verbal encouragement (persuasion) of Joe also helped.

Question 4

Apply Adler's theory to Ruth's life.Specifically, discuss her striving for success and style of life.Compare Adler's theory to Bandura's.

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

What fortuitous event had a major impact on Ruth's life? What does Bandura's theory say about such events? How does this aspect of his theory differ from other personality theories?

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Question 6

What are some external factors involved in self-regulation? Explain them through the use of your self-regulation example.

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Question 7

Using Bandura's social cognitive theory, explain the similarities between Joe's and Blake's personalities by answering the following questions.
-How could Bandura's social cognitive theory explain the similarity between Joe's and Blake's behaviors?

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

Find an example of self-regulation that Joe engages in.Explain it.

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

What behavioral techniques could Evonne use to encourage Blake and Joe to become neater? Explain.

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

Using Bandura's social cognitive theory, explain Ruth's personality by answering the following questions.
-What does Bandura mean by self-regulation? Find an example of it in the case and describe it.Be sure to mention each of the stages of self-regulation involved in the example; that is, what happens during the self-monitoring, self-evaluation, and self-reaction stages?

Accepted Answer

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Question 11

Using Bandura's social cognitive theory, explain Ruth's personality by answering the following questions.
-What does Bandura mean by reciprocal determinism? Find an example of it in the case and describe the interrelationships between the factors.

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

What factors determine whether or not we will learn from a model, according to Bandura's theory? Choose one example of behavior learned through modeling from the case and explain the influence of these factors.

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Question 13

Use Skinner's radical behaviorism to explain Joe's computer competence.How does Skinner's explanation compare with Bandura's explanation?

Accepted Answer

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Exam 15: Case Studies 27-28 Julian Rotter: Contributions