fei75766_ch18_569-609.indd 581  02/24/20 10:50 AM
Chapter 18     Rotter and Mischel: Cognitive Social Learning Theory581
comes from graduating withhighest honors. LaJuan’s likelihood ofsatisfying this
need depends onacomplex ofbehaviors. Tomake generalized predictions regarding 
asetofbehaviors designed tosatisfy needs, Rotter introduced thisgeneral prediction 
formula:
NP=f (FM+NV)
Thisequation means thatneed potential (NP)isafunction offreedom ofmove -
ment (FM)andneed value (NV).Theformula isanalogous tothebasic prediction 
formula, andeachfactor isparallel tothecorresponding factors ofthatbasic formula. 
Toillustrate thegeneral prediction formula, wecanlookatLaJuan’s situation with
regard toherfuture academic work. Topredict herneed potential forworking toward 
graduation withhighest honors, wemust measure herfreedom of movement, thatis,
hermean expectancy ofbeing reinforced foraseries ofbehaviors necessary toreach 
hergoal, plusherneed value ofallthose reinforcements: thatis,thevalue sheplaces 
onrecognition-status oranyother need sheassociates withreceiving academic hon-
ors.Thevalue LaJuanplaces onrecognition-status (need value), plusheraverage 
expectancy ofbeing reinforced forperforming therequired series ofbehaviors (free -
domofmovement), equals herpotential forpursuing thesetofrequired behaviors 
(need potential). Acomparison ofthebasic (specific) prediction formula andthe
generalized prediction formula isshown inFigure 18.1.
Rotter’s general prediction formula allows forpeople’s history ofusing simi-
larexperiences toanticipate present reinforcement. Thatis,theyhaveageneralized 
expectancy forsuccess. Rotter’s twomost popular scales formeasuring generalized 
expectancies aretheInternal–External Control Scale andtheInterpersonal Trust 
Scale.
Basic prediction formula
BPx1,s1,raf(Ex1,ra,s1and RVa,s1)
Potential for La Juan to rest
her head in the classroomher e xpectancy that this
behavior will be followed
by sleepher need for sleep in
this situation.
General prediction formula
NP f(FM and NV)
Potential for La Juan completing
all those behaviors necessary
to receive a PhD in clinical
psychology and thereby satisfy
her need for recognition-status=
is a
function
of
=
is a
function
ofher average e xpectancy that
a set of related behaviors
directed toward recognition-
status will be reinforcedher preference for good grades,
prestige, reputation, acceptance
by colleagues, praise from profes-
sors, and other reinforcements
related to recognition-status.++
FIGURE 18.1  Comparison of the Basic Prediction Formula and the General Prediction Formula.Final PDF to printer