by either or by a simple combination. Bandura introduces instead the concept
reciprocal determinism . That is, external determinants of behavior, such as re-
wards and punishments, and internal determinants, such as beliefs, thoughts,
and expectations, are part of a system of interacting influences that affect not
only behavior but the various parts of the system as well. Put more simply,
each part of the system —behaviors, external factors, and internal factors —
influences each of the other parts.
Some examples will help clarify the concept. Like Rotter, Bandura maintains
that internal factors, such as our expectancies, affect our behavior. Suppose
someone you don ’t like much asks you to play racquetball. You can just imagine
what a dismal afternoon you would have with this person. Thus your internal ex-
pectation will probably cause you to reject the invitation. But what would happen
if this person offered to buy you that new, expensive racket you ’ve been eyeing if
you play with him? Suddenly the external inducement is powerful enough to de-
termine your behavior, and you say, “Let’sp l a y . ”Now imagine further that you
have one of the most enjoyable sets of racquetball ever. You ’re evenly matched
with this person, and he even cracks a few jokes to make the afternoon fun. You
actually look forward to playing with him again. The behavior in this case has
changed your expectations, which will affect future behavior and so on.
The reciprocal determinism process is diagramed in Figure 13.3. You
may notice that the arrows point in both directions, indicating that each ofthe three variables in the model is capable of influencing each of the other
variables. This situation is very different from traditional behaviorism, which
limits explanations of human behavior to a two-factor, one-way model in
which external events cause behavior.
How can we predict which of the three parts in the reciprocal determinism
model is going to influence which other part? This depends on the strength of
each of the variables. At times, environmental forces are most powerful; at
other times, internal forces dominate. The example used in Chapter 7 of bothhigh and low self-esteem people fleeing a burning building illustrates how envir-
onmental factors can override internal individual factors on occasion. Though
at times we mold our environment to meet our needs, at other times we are
Behavior
External Factors
(Rewards, Punishments)Internal Factors
(Beliefs, Thoughts, Expectations)
FIGURE 13.3 Bandura ’s Reciprocal Determinism Model354 CHAPTER 13 The Behavioral/Social Learning Approach