Key Takeaways
- Julian Rotter’s Social Learning Theory (SLT) explains goal-directed behavior through four constructs: Reward Value, Behavioral Potential, Expectancy, and Psychological Situation.
- SLT introduced Internal Locus of Control, distinguishing Internals, who rely on their skills, from Externals, who depend on outside forces.
- The core formula BP = f(E & RV) in PS predicts how likely a person is to take action in a given situation.
- Rotter’s theory shaped the Mulry Method and Positive Performance Psychology by linking scientific insight with practical skill-building.
- SLT remains a cornerstone of research and practical application in psychology and personal development.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Understanding Rotter’s Social Learning Theory (SLT)
Social Learning Theory (SLT) is a cornerstone of psychology, showing how behavior is guided by goals, expectations, and the situations we face. While Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory emphasized observation and modeling, psychologist Julian B. Rotter developed a pioneering version that introduced four precise constructs—Reward Value, Behavioral Potential, Expectancy, and the Psychological Situation. These constructs became the scientific foundation for research on Internal Locus of Control and continue to influence modern approaches to personal growth.
Julian Rotter’s Social Learning Theory deeply influenced Dr. Mulry, who studied under Rotter and maintained a close personal and professional relationship with him throughout his career. The theory is unique for its clear constructs, predictive power, and measurable approach to behavior. It was the first of the Cognitive-Behavioral theories, a category that now dominates psychological practice.
For a broader explanation of how these ideas fit into the larger scientific framework, see The Science Behind Social Learning Theory.
A Brief Background On Julian Rotter
Julian B. Rotter was one of the first modern clinical psychologists trained in what later became the standard model for the field. His early academic influences included Alfred Adler, Kurt Lewin, and semanticist Wendell Johnson, whose ideas shaped Rotter’s views on learning, language, and human motivation. During the 1950s at Ohio State University, Rotter developed Social Learning Theory by blending behaviorism with the psychology of personality, creating a measurable framework based on reinforcement, expectancy, and interpretation. He published Social Learning and Clinical Psychology in 1954, helped define national training standards for clinical psychologists, and later served as president of major APA divisions. In 1989, he received the APA Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award. Rotter’s work remains one of the most influential scientific foundations for understanding behavior, motivation, and Internal Locus of Control.
The First Basic Assumption: People Are Goal-Directed
A central assumption of Social Learning Theory is that people are goal-directed. We are motivated to seek pleasure, avoid pain, and pursue outcomes that matter to us. Rotter formalized this process through four constructs.
Reward Value (RV)
Reward Value refers to the degree of preference you have for one reward over another. For example, most people prefer one hundred dollars to one dollar. This simple difference illustrates RV.
Understanding your RV preferences helps predict your behavior. If you prefer piano over guitar, your actions will likely align with piano practice. Ranking your RVs brings clarity to the choices you make while pursuing goals.
The Personal Concerns Inventory (PCI) is a valuable tool for identifying and prioritizing your RV preferences.
Behavioral Potential (BP)
Behavioral Potential refers to the likelihood that you will engage in specific behaviors to achieve your goals. If playing the piano is important to you, BP includes the actions you take to practice and develop skill.
Expectancy (E)
Expectancy reflects your belief about whether your efforts will lead to the outcome you want. High expectancy sounds like “I can do this.” Low expectancy sounds like “Nothing I do will work.”
Expectancy determines whether you act with Focused Action or avoid tasks altogether. Strong, realistic expectancies support steady goal pursuit.
The Psychological Situation (PS)
The Psychological Situation refers to how you interpret the context you are in. It recognizes that two people can experience the same situation very differently.
For example, someone working to reduce alcohol consumption may struggle if their after-work routine involves meeting friends at a bar. The situation competes with the goal. Understanding PS helps reveal which environments support or undermine success.
The SLT Formula
Rotter summarized his theory through a clear, predictive formula:
BP = f (E & RV) in PS
Behavioral Potential is a function of Expectancy and Reward Value within a particular Psychological Situation.
Internal And External Locus of Control
Locus of Control (LOC) is one of the most widely researched constructs in psychology. It defines how people explain the reinforcers in their lives.
- Internals believe success depends on their skills and efforts
- Externals believe success is controlled by luck, chance, or powerful others
Research consistently shows that Internals achieve more, persist longer, and maintain greater well-being. For a deeper exploration, see Herbert M. Lefcourt’s book, Research with the Locus of Control Construct.
Applying Social Learning Theory
Julian Rotter’s SLT offers a practical, scientific approach to understanding behavior and building personal control. By integrating Reward Value, Behavioral Potential, Expectancy, and the Psychological Situation, the theory provides a formula for predicting action and creating meaningful change.
Internal Locus of Control
One of Rotter’s most influential contributions is Internal Locus of Control, the belief that outcomes depend on your own skills and efforts. Internals act with purpose, take responsibility for results, and build confidence through repeated success. This principle directly supports the Mulry Method and remains one of the most widely studied constructs in modern psychology.
SLT also forms the foundation for the Mulry Method and Positive PERFORMANCE Psychology, which expand Rotter’s work by integrating:
- Relaxation Therapy (a mind-body tool for self-regulation)
- Polyvagal Theory (our visceral, emotional side)
- Backcare Programs (movement-based strategies for posture, injury prevention, and self-care)
- In The Zone Skills Training (our performance side)
- Internal Locus of Control (the belief that your actions create results)
To explore how Internal Locus of Control develops and how to strengthen it, see The Science Behind Internal Locus of Control.
For Bandura’s model of observational learning and modeling, see Bandura’s Social Learning Theory.
If you’d like to go further, explore Positive PERFORMANCE Psychology: Reconfiguring Consciousness, Dr. Reaume Carroll Mulry’s definitive guide to mastering Internal Locus of Control, applying SLT and Polyvagal Theory, and building long-term resilience on your own terms. Whether you are starting fresh or deepening your journey, this e-book serves as a clear and practical roadmap.
FAQ
It explains goal-directed behavior using four constructs: Reward Value, Behavioral Potential, Expectancy, and the Psychological Situation.
Behavior Potential is a function of Expectancy and Reward Value within a specific Psychological Situation.
Rotter introduced Internal Locus of Control, the belief that personal outcomes depend on one’s own skills rather than luck or external forces.
Why Rotter’s Work Still Matters Today
Julian Rotter’s Social Learning Theory continues to shape modern psychology and everyday self-care. Its clear constructs, focus on goal-directed behavior, and emphasis on Internal Locus of Control make it a powerful framework for understanding how change happens. The Mulry Method builds on this foundation, turning Rotter’s scientific insights into practical tools for self-learning, emotional balance, and focused action.