12.26 Julian Rotter: Locus of Control

“Behavior is a function of expectancy and reinforcement value.” - Julian Rotter

Do you work harder if you know you have a chance to win versus when you don’t think you have a chance?

Julian Rotter was a psychologist best known for developing Locus of Control theory.

Locus of control theory explains whether a person believes outcomes are mainly the result of their own actions (internal locus of control) or due to outside forces like luck, fate, or other people (external locus of control).

Rotter once said, “Behavior is a function of expectancy and reinforcement value.”

We are more likely to work harder when we think we can get better at something we care about.

An athlete will work harder in practice if they believe (expectancy) that their effort will lead to improvement or playing time, and if they really care (reinforcement value) about getting better or helping the team win.

So set meaningful, reachable goals for yourself and others..

Question of the Day: What is one goal you care about, and how can you strengthen your belief that your effort will actually move you closer to it?