GEC007 – Understanding the Self Midterm

Questions and Answers

What is cognitive bias?

An accurate way of evaluating experiences

A method of rational decision making

An error in reasoning due to personal beliefs (correct)

A strategy to improve memory retention

What is the halo effect?

The tendency to rate attractive individuals more favorably (correct)

A psychological condition related to body image

The phenomenon of cultural influences on beauty standards

The tendency to remember negative information more vividly

Which hormone is primarily associated with female facial structure?

Testosterone

Estrogen (correct)

Cortisol

Progesterone

How do cultural traditions impact body image?

They shape feelings and thoughts about one's body. Signup and view all the answers

The ideal body size standard for American white women emphasizes what?

Thinness Signup and view all the answers

What score range on the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale indicates low self-esteem?

Below 15 Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics do male raters generally find attractive in women?

Large eyes and smooth skin Signup and view all the answers

What does body image refer to?

One's perception and feelings towards their body Signup and view all the answers

What did St. Augustine believe about beauty?

Delight arises from the perception of beauty. Signup and view all the answers

According to Plato, why do objects appear beautiful?

Objects are beautiful as reflections of the idea of beauty in the realm of Forms. Signup and view all the answers

What did Aristotle identify as chief forms of beauty?

Order, symmetry, and definitiveness. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher argued that beauty exists in the mind of the observer?

David Hume. Signup and view all the answers

What does self-esteem primarily reflect?

How one evaluates their worth Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'halo effect' in psychology?

A cognitive bias where one attribute influences perception of other traits. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between physical beauty and self-image?

Discrepancies in looks and beauty standards can lead to self-image issues. Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what influences the idea of physical beauty?

Society and individual beliefs Signup and view all the answers

Immanuel Kant's perspective on taste emphasizes that it is:

Subjective and aesthetic. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of materialism as discussed in the passage?

Believing that the highest ideals are material achievements Signup and view all the answers

According to Francis Hutcheson, the perception of beauty relies on which of the following?

An internal sense of beauty. Signup and view all the answers

What does a positive view of the 'self' entail?

Acknowledging that beauty comes in various shapes and sizes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of increased social media use as mentioned?

Increased materialism among youth Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects how society impacts our perception of self?

Society shapes our feelings about our bodies and how we perceive others' views. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the association of beauty by the 18th century?

Beauty was regarded as a personal preference connected to pleasure. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main learning outcomes of the course?

To critically analyze the development of one's self and identity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following questions reflects the philosophical inquiries prompted by materialism?

Is life most meaningful when accumulating material possessions? Signup and view all the answers

In discussions of self-esteem, what does a positive body image promote?

Acceptance of oneself regardless of societal norms Signup and view all the answers

How is beauty traditionally viewed according to Western philosophies before the 18th century?

As a moral value equivalent to goodness and justice. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'beauty is subjective' imply?

Different individuals perceive beauty in diverse ways. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'material self' refer to in the context of the passage?

The connection between personal identity and material possessions Signup and view all the answers

According to the course objectives, which aspect of the self is emphasized for examination?

The influences and forces that shape the self. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best summarizes Helen Keller's quote about beauty?

True beauty is beyond physical attributes and must be felt. Signup and view all the answers

What perspective about beauty has evolved in recent discussions?

Beauty is viewed as an emotional and subjective experience. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding the Self

Course structured around the exploration of the self, covering various aspects such as material, physical, social, cognitive, political, spiritual, and digital selves.
Emphasis on the contrast between physical reality and virtual reality while acknowledging how society influences self-perception and body image.

Key Concepts of Self-Perception

Self-perception is shaped by how individuals view their bodies, feelings about appearance, internal dialogues, and perceived societal judgments.
Positive self-view acknowledges the diversity of body shapes and sizes, asserting that physical appearance does not define personal value or character.

Learning Objectives

Ability to unpack the self across different dimensions.
Analyze representations of self from multiple academic perspectives.
Identify various internal and external influences shaping self and identity.
Encourage reflective thought and theory development regarding personal identity.

Beauty and Its Perspectives

Beauty is defined variably across cultures and time, often equated to personal happiness.
Philosophical perspectives on beauty evolve from objective qualities (pre-18th century) to subjective interpretations (18th century onward).

Philosophical Views on Beauty

Objective View: Prior beliefs that beauty exists independently and is inherent in objects (e.g., Plato, Aristotle).
Subjective View: Modern perspectives where beauty is viewed as a matter of personal preference (e.g., Hume, Kant).

Psychological Perspectives on Beauty

Attractive individuals may command higher earnings and sway political choices, commonly attributed to the "halo effect."
Cognitive biases influence perceptions of beauty, leading to favorable character judgments based on physical attractiveness.

Evolutionary Psychology Insights

Certain physical traits indicate desirable qualities in potential partners, shaped by hormonal influences during development.
Specific features preferred in the opposite sex often reflect evolutionary advantages and societal standards.

Cultural Influences on Body Image

Culture plays a crucial role in self-perception and body image; standards of beauty can vary widely, affecting self-esteem.
Body image is how individuals perceive their physical self, heavily influenced by cultural ideals (e.g., American standards favor thinness).

Body Image and Self-Esteem

Self-esteem intricately linked to body image, impacting overall mental health.
Tools like the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale assess individual perceptions of self-worth and indicate areas of low self-esteem.

Material Self

Materialism prioritizes material achievements over spiritual or intellectual values.
Raises philosophical questions about the significance of material possessions in life.

Impact of Materialism

Materialism is associated with greater unhappiness and is exacerbated by social media usage.
Questions surrounding the ultimate value of material possessions challenge individuals to reflect on their life purpose beyond material gain.

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Description

This quiz covers Chapter 2 from the course 'Understanding the Self', focusing on aspects such as the Material Self, Political Self, and Digital Self. Explore how our physical, social, and cognitive developments shape our identity amidst both physical and virtual realities. Test your understanding of the various dimensions of self-concept as we dive into the influences of society.