Topic: Self-regulated Standards

According to the social-cognitive theory, most behavior is self-regulated. This theory states that your behavior is guided by internalized performance and moral standards. If your actions and choices meet or exceed these standards, you feel good about yourself, but if it does not, you feel bad.

Give an example of how your own performance and moral standards guide your behavior. Define the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic reinforcement. Do you agree with the social-cognitive contention that intrinsic reinforcement has more of an impact on behavior than extrinsic reinforcement? Explain your reasoning. Next, explain where you think the basis of your moral and performance standards originated. (Parents, School, Scouts, the Streets, etc.). Was this reinforcement more intrinsic or extrinsic? Explain your reasoning.