Psychology Week 4: Introspection & Self-Awareness

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Questions and Answers

What is a method used to reduce the threat to self-evaluation when comparing oneself to a friend?

Reduce closeness to the friend (correct)

Increase social closeness

Increase social loafing

Avoid competition altogether

What did Tesser and Smith's study indicate about participants' behavior when the task was deemed important?

They helped their friends more than strangers.

They provided difficult clues to their friends. (correct)

They provided easier clues to their friends.

They gave more difficult clues to strangers.

According to Nicholls & Stukas (2011), which of the following behaviors is more likely in individuals with higher narcissism when a friend performs better?

They will become more competitive with others.

They are likely to sabotage their friend's efforts.

They will reduce closeness to that friend. (correct)

They feel happy for their friend's success.

What is a primary reason people may choose to sabotage a friend's performance in a task?

To prevent being outperformed in a valued activity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects a common belief about friendships among narcissistic individuals?

Narcissists prefer friends who they can easily outperform. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does introspection typically have on a person's affect?

It often leads to lower affect. Signup and view all the answers

What is one strength of the research method used in the study by Csikszentmihalyi & Figurski (1982)?

It provides accurate reports of people's current feelings. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Self-Awareness Theory, what is the typical result of self-evaluation?

Negative affect and guilt. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is NOT a way to know oneself according to the Self-Awareness Theory?

Seeking external validation Signup and view all the answers

Which limitation is associated with the methodology used in the study by Csikszentmihalyi & Figurski (1982)?

Certain participant types may be more willing to engage. Signup and view all the answers

How does self-awareness impact feelings when one exceeds internal standards?

It temporarily increases positive feelings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason people experience a negative effect when thinking about themselves?

They compare their behavior to their own standards. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of introspection is suggested to be rare among individuals?

Looking inward at one's own thoughts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of downward social comparisons?

To boost self-esteem by contrasting with those worse off Signup and view all the answers

Which motive for social comparison involves recognizing our own progress?

Self-evaluation Signup and view all the answers

What can be a negative outcome of upward social comparisons?

Regret about one's achievements Signup and view all the answers

How does culture influence social comparison motivations?

It determines whether an individual prefers upward or downward comparisons. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential reaction to feeling unable to improve after an upward comparison?

Harming the other person's performance Signup and view all the answers

What is a common positive effect of performing upward social comparisons?

Gaining hope and inspiration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a motive for social comparison mentioned in the content?

Self-punishment Signup and view all the answers

What do upward social comparisons aim to achieve when identifying with successful individuals?

To assimilate with successful personalities Signup and view all the answers

What significant behavior did participants exhibit on the scary bridge in Dutton and Aron's study?

They misattributed fear as sexual attraction. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of a calmer voice in conflict situations based on Costa et al.'s findings?

It promotes calmer behavior in both parties. Signup and view all the answers

According to Social Comparison Theory, why do people engage in comparing themselves to others?

To measure their abilities when there's no objective standard. Signup and view all the answers

What is likely to trigger upward social comparison?

Seeing someone who is perceived to be more successful. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does exceeding expectations have on standards?

Standards are raised. Signup and view all the answers

In which situation are individuals less likely to compare themselves to others?

When they have clear external standards. Signup and view all the answers

How does self-awareness influence behavior according to the content?

It prompts individuals to evaluate their behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What physiological influence affects emotional perception according to the content?

Variations in heart rate. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of social comparison?

To evaluate our relative standing in a social context. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key finding of Diener & Wallbom's (1976) experiment on cheating?

Participants with a mirror were less likely to cheat. Signup and view all the answers

What does greater introspection lead to in terms of social behavior?

Greater adherence to social norms. Signup and view all the answers

What effect can a calm voice have on emotional reactions during interactions?

It stabilizes heart rate and influences perception positively. Signup and view all the answers

According to self-perception theory, how do people infer their feelings?

Based on their body reactions and behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What mistake do individuals often make regarding their feelings and behaviors?

They incorrectly attribute factors in their environment. Signup and view all the answers

What was the focus of Nisbett & Wilson’s (1977) experiments?

Understanding why people feel a certain way. Signup and view all the answers

What outcome can be expected when facing anxiety compared to excitement?

The meaning of these feelings changes over time. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Week 4: Introspection, Observing Behaviour, and Comparison

Introspection involves looking inward to examine thoughts, feelings, and motives.
Thinking about oneself is often rare.
Study 1 (Csikszentmihalyi & Figurski, 1982) found lower affect when people thought about themselves.
When engaged in voluntary activities (like watching TV), people often experience negative self-affect.
A strength of introspection research is providing accurate reports of current feelings and actions.

Limitations of Introspection

Some participants are more likely to cooperate in studies requiring frequent introspection due to the demands.
Retrospective accounts (asking participants about past behaviour) are limited by memory.

Self-Awareness Theory

Self-awareness involves evaluating oneself against internal standards and values.
This often results in negative affect (feelings).
Self-awareness can be positive if internal standards are exceeded, but this positive feeling is temporary.
It can be negative if performance doesn't meet high standards.

Introspection Research Examples

Diener & Wallbom (1976): Participants with a mirror in front of them were less likely to cheat.
Sohn et al. (2019): People with introspection (seeing their face on a video) were less likely to bully online.

Observing Own Behavior

Self-perception theory suggests that people infer attitudes and feelings by observing their behavior and the situation.
Nisbett & Wilson (1977) concluded that people often aren't good at determining why they think or feel a particular way.

Anxiety and Excitement

Introspection can influence how we understand our own emotions.
When asked about ourselves, we use introspection to see if we know already.
We observe our behaviour to figure out who we are.

Social comparison is thinking about others to understand ourself.
We notice similarities and differences between ourselves and others.
We evaluate our own behaviour.

We learn about ourselves by comparing abilities and attitudes to others.
Different factors influence when we compare to others, such as the absence of objective standards or concern with performance.

Upward: Comparing to someone better than us (can lead to feelings of inadequacy or motivation).
Downward: Comparing to someone worse than us (improves self-esteem).
Lateral: Comparing to someone at the same skill level.

Self-enhancement: feeling better about ourselves
Self-destruction: confirming your fears of getting worse
Self-evaluation: understanding how you are doing
Self-improvement: improving oneself
Altruism: helping others
Common bond: understanding others

When Upward Comparisons Can Harm Self-Esteem

When individuals believe they can improve, but don't (expectations are not met).
When individuals can't improve, they may act to harm the person they are comparing themselves with

Self-Evaluation Maintenance Theory

Examines behaviour when comparing ourselves to a friend
Matters if we care about the comparison
Reduces threat to self-evaluation by:
- Reducing closeness to the friend
- Not caring about the thing or goal (e.g., the friend´s success)
- Sabotaging the friend's success

People high in narcissism are more likely to reduce their closeness to a friend who does better.
Narcissists like friends they can beat.

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Description

Explore the concepts of introspection, self-awareness, and the effects of observing behavior on emotions. This quiz covers key studies and limitations related to self-reflection and evaluates how it influences affective states. Test your knowledge on the implications of self-awareness theory and its impact on psychological well-being.