Perspectives Such as Behaviorism and Social Cognitive Theory Show Us

question 3

Essay

Perspectives such as behaviorism and social cognitive theory show us how the consequence reinforcement or punishment) of a particular behavior affects the extent to which the behavior is likely to appear again. Attribution theory has cast a new light on this notion, maintaining that the consequences of behavior will affect each person's learning and future behavior differently depending on how the individual interprets those consequences. Within the context of attribution theory:
a. Explain what motivation theorists mean when they talk about attributions.
b. Explain how learners' responses to failure are likely to be different when they attribute that failure to a controllable cause or to an uncontrollable one. Give a concrete example to illustrate your explanation.
c. Describe three specific strategies you might use to foster more productive attributions in others. In each case, use attribution theory to explain why you think the strategy should be effective.

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Definitions:

Primary Sex Characteristics

The physical features directly involved in human reproduction, including genitals and reproductive organs.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Characteristics that emerge during puberty but are not directly involved in reproduction, such as breast development in females and facial hair growth in males.

Sexual Orientation

An inherent or immutable enduring emotional, romantic or sexual attraction to other people.

Gender Typing

The process by which a child becomes aware of their gender and thus behaves accordingly by adopting values and attributes of members of the sex that they identify with.