Psychology Self-Schemas and Self-Concepts
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Questions and Answers

Which concept suggests that our self-concept is influenced by how others perceive us?

  • Self-perception theory
  • Symbolic interaction (correct)
  • Self-schema
  • Social comparison theory

What type of social comparison involves comparing oneself to those perceived as better to enhance motivation?

  • Upward social comparison (correct)
  • Negative social comparison
  • Downward social comparison
  • Lateral social comparison

How do self-schemas contribute to our overall self-concept?

  • They are fixed and unchangeable over time.
  • They facilitate information processing and behavioral retrieval. (correct)
  • They create a static image of our self-concept.
  • They solely reflect external perceptions of ourselves.

Which theory suggests that we understand ourselves by observing our actions?

<p>Self-perception theory (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary belief of the 'looking glass self' concept?

<p>Self-concept is shaped by others’ reflections of us. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best captures the essence of self-schema?

<p>It is a dynamic structure reflecting various contexts. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does objective self-awareness refer to?

<p>A heightened focus on one’s own characteristics. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which situation would downward social comparison likely occur?

<p>Assessing one’s own abilities compared to a less skilled peer. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary behavioral advantage of self-reference in cognitive tasks?

<p>Faster response times (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon allows a person to notice their name in an ignored auditory channel?

<p>Cocktail party effect (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the fundamental attribution error imply about human judgment?

<p>One tends to ignore situation-based causes for others' actions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT contribute to the fundamental attribution error?

<p>Awareness of situational influences (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did participants perform in attention tasks when they noticed their name in ignored input?

<p>They made more errors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between loneliness and solitude?

<p>Solitude is often associated with personal growth, whereas loneliness is linked to negative feelings (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive technique was used in the ERP study to test memory advantages related to self-reference?

<p>Self-related stimuli response speed (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does situational awareness play in mitigating the fundamental attribution error?

<p>It helps reframe personal biases towards situational context (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the surprise retrieval test after self-referential trials, what were participants asked to determine?

<p>If previously presented adjectives were remembered (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is involved in the tendency to attribute behaviors to personal characteristics rather than situational factors?

<p>Inflated categorization (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does self-discrepancy theory suggest about discrepancies between the actual self and the ideal self?

<p>They signify the absence of positive outcomes and relate to dejection-related emotions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of self-regulation according to Higgins (1987)?

<p>To change behaviors or emotional responses in order to evolve into a desired future self. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the concept of public self-awareness?

<p>It involves an understanding of how others perceive you. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of delay discounting, what does the term 'immediate reinforcement' refer to?

<p>The preference for smaller rewards available now over larger rewards available later. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the research by Shoda et al. suggest about delay of gratification in childhood?

<p>It can predict aspects of self-regulatory behavior in later stages of life. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of ego depletion refer to?

<p>The temporary decline in self-control after exerting self-control on other tasks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of self-control does the theory of 'self-control as a muscle' illustrate?

<p>The exertion of self-control can lead to fatigue and reduce future performance. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are 'hot' cues in the context of delay discounting and self-control?

<p>Cues that invoke strong emotional responses, making it harder to delay gratification. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the 'ideal self'?

<p>The version of oneself that one aspires to become. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which system of regulatory focus is concerned with preventing failure and fulfilling obligations?

<p>Prevention-focused regulation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does temporal discounting play in decision-making?

<p>It illustrates a general preference for immediate rewards over later gains. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does private self-awareness primarily involve?

<p>Recognition of one’s internal thoughts and feelings. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Higgins' self-discrepancy theory, how does one primarily respond to a discrepancy between the actual self and the ought self?

<p>By experiencing agitation-related emotions due to negative outcomes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What tends to happen when individuals enforce high levels of self-control during a task?

<p>Their self-control resources may become temporarily depleted. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Self-schemas

Mental models that represent our knowledge about ourselves and who we are. They can be specific traits, roles, or values.

Symbolic interaction

The idea that our self-concept develops through interactions with others and their feedback.

Looking-glass self

The process of inferring our self-concept by observing how others perceive us. Like seeing ourselves in a mirror.

Social comparison theory

A theory suggesting that we learn about ourselves by comparing ourselves to others. This can be upward (to someone better) or downward (to someone worse).

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Self-perception theory

The idea that we gain knowledge about ourselves by observing our own behaviors and making inferences about our traits and motivations.

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Objective self-awareness

A state of heightened self-awareness created by external cues like mirrors, cameras, or audiences. It can lead to a heightened sense of self-consciousness and self-evaluation.

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Upward social comparison

Comparing yourself to someone who is doing better than you. Can be motivating, but also lead to negative self-esteem.

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Downward social comparison

Comparing yourself to someone who is doing worse than you. Can boost your self-esteem but can also lead to complacency.

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Ideal Self

The difference between our current self and the person we aspire to be in the future.

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Ought Self

The difference between our current self and the person we believe we should be, based on societal expectations or personal values.

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Self Awareness

A state of conscious awareness of oneself as an object, comparing our actual self to either our ideal or ought self. This can be beneficial or stressful.

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Self Discrepancy Theory

A theory that suggests we are motivated to reduce discrepancies between our actual self and our ideal or ought self.

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Self Regulation

The process of changing our behavior, thoughts, or emotional responses to align ourselves with our desired self-image.

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Self-Control

The ability to delay gratification, resisting immediate rewards for potentially larger rewards later.

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Temporal Discounting

A phenomenon where humans tend to value immediate rewards over delayed rewards, even if the delayed reward is larger.

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Delay of Gratification

The self-imposed delay of gratification, a test used to predict future self-regulatory behavior.

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Ego Depletion

An ongoing mental process that requires effort and can be depleted with repeated use, leading to reduced self-control.

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Attentional Bias to Self

The tendency to automatically focus on information relevant to ourselves, which can influence our perception and behavior.

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Regulatory Focus Theory

A concept that emphasizes two distinct motivational systems: promotion focus and prevention focus.

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Public Self

The aspect of our self that is influenced by how others perceive us. It shapes our public image.

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Private Self

The internal world of our thoughts, feelings, and attitudes, relatively private and less influenced by external expectations.

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Ought Self

The system of rules and expectations that guide our behavior. It can be internalized or influenced by external factors like societal norms or expectations.

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Fundamental Attribution Error

The tendency to draw inferences about a person's stable traits from their behaviors, even when those behaviors can be fully explained by situational factors.

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Cocktail Party Effect

A study where participants perform a task while a self-relevant stimulus (like their name) is presented in the background. This stimulus can capture their attention, even if it's not the focus of the task.

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Memory Advantage to Self

The advantage in processing information that is about oneself. This can be seen in faster responses to self-referential stimuli and better memory for self-related information.

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Correspondence Bias

The tendency to focus on the characteristics of an individual rather than the situation in which they are behaving. This can lead to misconceptions about someone's personality.

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Dichotic Listening

A type of psychological study in which participants listen to different auditory messages presented to each ear. This method can help researchers study selective attention and how our brains filter information.

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Loneliness

A state of feeling lonely and wanting to be with other people, but lacking the motivation to seek social interaction. Often associated with depression.

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Solitude

A state of intentional separation and seclusion, used to promote self-reflection and personal growth. Can be a valuable tool for self-discovery.

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Study Notes

Self-Schemas

  • Self-schemas are cognitive structures representing knowledge about oneself.
  • Examples include "I am a girl," "I am funny."
  • Self-schemas vary in importance, across individuals, time, and context (Markus, 1997).
  • Different aspects of the self become more or less prominent in different situations.
  • Self-schemas contribute to self-concept, which is complex and dynamic.
  • They facilitate self-relevant information processing and contain readily accessible behavioral evidence.

Symbolic Interactionism

  • Self-concept arises and changes through social interactions.
  • Interactions at home, school, university, supermarket, etc., shape self-concept.

Looking-Glass Self

  • Self-concept is shaped by how others perceive us.
  • We see ourselves through the lens of others' perceptions.
  • This perspective suggests limited agency in altering self-concept beyond external perceptions.

Social Comparison Theory

  • We understand ourselves by comparing to others.
  • This comparison involves behaviors, attitudes, opinions, skills, and talents.
  • Downward comparisons might boost self-esteem.
  • Upward comparisons can be motivating but potentially harmful.

Self-Perception Theory

  • We learn about ourselves by observing our own actions.
  • Example: Judging one's academic abilities based on study habits.
  • Imagining behavior can alter self-perception.

Objective Self-Awareness (Self-Consciousness)

  • Self-awareness arises from self-focused stimuli like mirrors, photos, or videos.
  • It provides an honest, present-day understanding of oneself.
  • Self-awareness fosters comparisons between current and desired selves.
  • This awareness can be beneficial or stressful.
  • Duval & Wicklund (1972) have explored conditions under which self-consciousness emerges and functions.

Self-Discrepancy Theory

  • Actual Self: Who we are presently.
  • Ideal Self: Who we aspire to be.
  • Ought Self: Who we believe we should be.
  • Higgins (1987): We aim to reduce discrepancies between self-guides (ideal and ought) and our actual self.
  • Discrepancies with the ideal self link to dejection-related emotions.
  • Discrepancies with the ought self connect to agitation-related emotions
  • Self-regulation seeks to bridge these discrepancies.

Regulatory Focus Theory

  • Two systems for regulating behavior:
    • Promotion focus (ideal self): Achieving aspirations.
    • Prevention focus (ought self): Fulfilling obligations.
    • Individuals exhibit either a promotion or prevention focus.

Public and Private Self-Awareness

  • Public self: How others see us (persona).
  • Private self: Inner thoughts, feelings, and attitudes (inner self).

Self-Control

  • Temporal Discounting: Preference for immediate rewards over delayed ones.
  • Individual variability exists in the propensity to choose immediate gratifications. Interrelated with impulsive behaviors and certain mental health disorders such as ADHD.
  • Instant Gratification & Self-Control: Studies have linked delay of gratification in childhood to later self-regulatory behavior and successful outcomes like SAT scores.
  • Inhibitory Control Task: Experiments found that individuals with low delay of gratification had more difficulty inhibiting responses to "hot" cues.
  • Self-Control as a Limited Resource: Self-control is a finite mental resource; exerting it depletes future self-regulation ability (ego depletion).
  • Ego Depletion: Straining self-control on one task impairs performance on subsequent, unrelated tasks. Studies have demonstrated this through tasks involving food choices, emotional suppression, and decision-making.

Attentional and Memory Advantages to Self

  • Attentional bias: Faster response times to self-related stimuli.
  • Memory advantage: Enhanced recall of self-related information.

Cocktail Party Effect

  • Self-relevant stimuli attract attention, even in background noise.
  • Dichotic listening experiments highlight self-referential attentional effects.

Fundamental Attribution Error

  • We overestimate dispositional factors (personality, character) and underestimate situational influences in interpreting others' behaviors.
  • This tendency is apparent in evaluations of situations that might seem unusual and lead to assumptions in the future. The four components mentioned can lead to bias towards how we perceive the world.

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Description

Explore the intricacies of self-schemas, self-concept, and their role in shaping our identity. This quiz delves into key psychological theories like symbolic interactionism and the looking-glass self, examining how social interactions and comparisons influence our self-perception. Test your understanding of these concepts and their significance in psychology.

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