Apply Bandura’s concepts of self-regulation and self-efficacy to Katherine’s experiences. How does the focus of Bandura’s theory differ from that of Rogers’s?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Bandura’s self-regulation involves three stages: self-observation of behavior, judgment or evaluation of that behavior, and a self-reaction in which we respond positively or negatively to our behavior depending upon our previous evaluation. This process can be applied to Katharine’s experience with opening her own business. She experimented with various types of crafts such as floral arrangements (self observation); noted that she did not sell enough to support a business (self-judgment); changed her artistic approach (self-reaction); and eventually found that woodworking was her niche and could support a business.
Self-efficacy is a level of confidence associated with the ability to perform a task. High levels of efficacy increase the likelihood of performing the task successfully. Katharine’s interaction with her support group increased her confidence and encouraged her to try to start her own business. Likewise, the case study states that Katharine’s confidence increased after selling out her inventory at a craft show. After this event she “built up her inventory and rented a small storefront, where she began to sell her Santas.” Her confidence (self-efficacy) in her ability to start a business helped her do just that.
The focus of Bandura’s theory is different from that of Rogers’s in that Bandura’s is more cognitive than Rogers’s whose is more humanistic. Both approaches discuss the importance of social factors but Bandura’s has more emphasis on reinforcements and punishments.