Self-Regulation and Goal Setting - The Impact of Cognitive Theory on Human and Computer Development - page 15

oneself for behavior that comes close to the expected goal will help one to carry on through
setbacks and unpredicted difficulties. Bandura purported social and intrinsic rewards, such
as praise and feelings of pride and satisfaction, can be significant motivators for future per-
formance (Bandura 1986). In contrast, Glasser (1965) deplored the use of the term self-re-
inforcement on the grounds that the concept of rewarding oneself and positive feedback is
manipulative. Glasser (1965) illustrated the motivation to change resulted from controlling
behavior to fulfilling needs. He used the example of a school for delinquent girls where
cognitive awareness and compliance to reasonable rules result in the achievement of ac-
ceptance and value in the group (Glasser 1965).
In Glasser's view, fulfilling basic needs serves to motivate individuals to continue to
control undesirable behaviors and demonstrate the actions that result in rewards (1965).
The above function involves the process of future time orientation, requiring knowledge
of life span development. The implementation of a mature level of cognitive development
serves to allow such abstract thought. The following section will incorporate a discussion
of the ideas of Glasser and Bandura for an elaboration on cognitive development.
Cognitive Development
A quality world, as described by Glasser (1998), is unique for each person. All individu-
als relate to the world through the senses. All individuals presume they perceive the real
world and that world is the same for everyone; however, each perceives the real world dif-
ferently. Optimists and pessimists have dissimilar perspectives, yet their beliefs are close
enough to shoulder differences and survive.
Glasser contended the quality world develops in an individual's memory from birth and
reshapes continually throughout life (1998). The quality world comprises small pictures
depicting past learning of actions that served to satisfy needs. Glasser (1965) contended in-
dividuals formulate a vision of what constitutes their quality world and therapists help them
change the pictures to meet their needs. In the course of development, people determine
their own conclusions. They can distinguish certain inaccuracies in thought by reasonable
confirmation (Bandura 1977).
Breadth Summary
Growing evidence exists that cognition has a causal influence on behavior. A theory that
includes denial of the notion that thoughts can regulate action is not readily appropriate for
the explanation of complex human behavior. The current Breadth essay included a sum-
mary and synthesis of theories drawn from Maslow, Glasser, and Bandura regarding an
individual's role in human development. The essay also contained an examination of the
contrasting beliefs concerning influences in motivation to change with advancement, such