Vicarious Reinforcement - The Impact of Cognitive Theory on Human and Computer Development - page 11

Bandura (1986) called the correlation forethought capability and considered it the most
purposeful behavior for regulation in this way. Glasser (1998) contended therapists help-
ing clients to use forethought activity to think about altering current actions, although not
essential for desired outcomes, may help to achieve harmony and quality in their world. A
significant premise in the theory of choice therapy is individuals take note of creating their
own quality world (Glasser 1998). The concept takes individuals beyond imagining to ac-
tual preparation for aspirations and goals. An example is planning for a job versus a career.
Glasser's notion of choice therapy includes questioning what need the individual expects
to fulfill either by performing the behavior or by choosing not to perform it. Clients assess
their situation and decide to change what they desire, change their actions, or both.
Glasser (1998) and Bandura (1977) both upheld the concept of an internal locus of con-
trol and both contended forethought activity involves a cognitive anticipation of conse-
quences. Individuals who assure optimistic outcomes and avoid the prospect of potential
difficulty maintain a motivating force. Through exercise of forethought, people perpetuate
motivation by predicted results and direct their actions accordingly.
Effective cognitive functioning requires the use of some means of distinguishing accur-
ate from inaccurate thinking (Bandura 1977). Reflections on thinking about thoughts of
human cognitive development are achieved through a verification process (Bandura 1977).
Bandura (1977) purported people derive much of their knowledge and motivation from ob-
servation, as mentioned above, and by directly experiencing the effects produced by their
actions. Other concepts, such as those of time, quality, and causality, grow through a simil-
ar process (Bandura 1977).
Glasser (1965) noted although people think through many actions, the thinking may not
necessarily be rational. Rationality depends on well-developed cognitive and interpretative
skills, which may not always be successful (Glasser 1965). People may be able to reason
logically but make unsatisfactory decisions when they use insufficient information or fall
short in thinking about the end results of different choices (Bandura 1986). Thought can
function as a source of human degeneration and anguish, as well as human accomplishment
(Bandura 1986).
Learning by Reinforcement
Both Bandura (1977) and Glasser (1965) supported the major premise of individual re-
sponsibility, but differences exist in the terminology. A major difference in the views of
Bandura and Glasser is the role of external reinforcement. Glasser posited the term rein-
forcement to indicate an implication of external control. The reference to external control
is contrary to the emphasis on internal control by the individual.