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Questions and Answers
A self-fulfilling prophecy occurs when an individual's expectations influence their actions, ultimately leading to the expected outcome.
A self-fulfilling prophecy occurs when an individual's expectations influence their actions, ultimately leading to the expected outcome.
True
What is the primary concept Goffman (2002) introduced, as discussed in the text?
What is the primary concept Goffman (2002) introduced, as discussed in the text?
What are the two stages of social life, as defined by Goffman in the framework of dramaturgy?
What are the two stages of social life, as defined by Goffman in the framework of dramaturgy?
Front stage and Backstage
The backstage in Goffman's dramaturgy model is a space where individuals can temporarily ______ their social roles and relax.
The backstage in Goffman's dramaturgy model is a space where individuals can temporarily ______ their social roles and relax.
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Match the following concepts with their brief descriptions:
Match the following concepts with their brief descriptions:
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Who is credited with formalizing and popularizing Mead's theories, and coining the term "symbolic interactionism"?
Who is credited with formalizing and popularizing Mead's theories, and coining the term "symbolic interactionism"?
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Symbolic interactionism is solely focused on individual interactions, disregarding the role of social structures and institutions.
Symbolic interactionism is solely focused on individual interactions, disregarding the role of social structures and institutions.
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What is the concept of 'looking-glass self' as explained by Charles Horton Cooley?
What is the concept of 'looking-glass self' as explained by Charles Horton Cooley?
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Symbolic interactionism emphasizes the role of ____ and shared meanings in interpersonal communication.
Symbolic interactionism emphasizes the role of ____ and shared meanings in interpersonal communication.
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Match the theorists with their primary contributions to symbolic interactionism:
Match the theorists with their primary contributions to symbolic interactionism:
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Which of these statements accurately reflects Mead's view on meaning in symbolic interactionism?
Which of these statements accurately reflects Mead's view on meaning in symbolic interactionism?
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The concept of 'taking the role of the other' suggests that individuals can understand perspectives of others by imaginatively putting themselves in their shoes.
The concept of 'taking the role of the other' suggests that individuals can understand perspectives of others by imaginatively putting themselves in their shoes.
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Erving Goffman described social life as a ____, where individuals engage in impression management to present a desired image.
Erving Goffman described social life as a ____, where individuals engage in impression management to present a desired image.
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Explain how the 'self-fulfilling prophecy' concept connects to the 'looking-glass self' in symbolic interactionism.
Explain how the 'self-fulfilling prophecy' concept connects to the 'looking-glass self' in symbolic interactionism.
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Who is recognized as a founding figure of symbolic interactionism?
Who is recognized as a founding figure of symbolic interactionism?
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Interpersonal communication is not linked to audience consumption.
Interpersonal communication is not linked to audience consumption.
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What concept did Charles Horton Cooley introduce that is related to self-perception?
What concept did Charles Horton Cooley introduce that is related to self-perception?
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Symbolic interactionism emphasizes the significance of ______ and shared meanings in communication.
Symbolic interactionism emphasizes the significance of ______ and shared meanings in communication.
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Match the key thinker with their contribution to symbolic interactionism:
Match the key thinker with their contribution to symbolic interactionism:
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Which theory offers a comprehensive framework to understand the complexities of human interaction?
Which theory offers a comprehensive framework to understand the complexities of human interaction?
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What metaphor does Goffman use to explain social interactions?
What metaphor does Goffman use to explain social interactions?
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What aspect of the self is characterized as spontaneous and creative according to Mead?
What aspect of the self is characterized as spontaneous and creative according to Mead?
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Emojis have inherent meanings that do not change based on context.
Emojis have inherent meanings that do not change based on context.
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What concept explains how individuals develop their self-concept through social interactions?
What concept explains how individuals develop their self-concept through social interactions?
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Name an example of a character from pop culture that reflects the interaction between the I and the me.
Name an example of a character from pop culture that reflects the interaction between the I and the me.
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The _____ refers to the internalized sense of the broader social group consisting of shared norms and values.
The _____ refers to the internalized sense of the broader social group consisting of shared norms and values.
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Taking the role of the other includes only the perspective of oneself.
Taking the role of the other includes only the perspective of oneself.
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Match the following emojis with their commonly understood meanings:
Match the following emojis with their commonly understood meanings:
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Who introduced the concept of the looking-glass self?
Who introduced the concept of the looking-glass self?
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Self-fulfilling prophecies can lead to outcomes based on ________ expectations.
Self-fulfilling prophecies can lead to outcomes based on ________ expectations.
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Which factor can influence the interpretation of an emoji in a conversation?
Which factor can influence the interpretation of an emoji in a conversation?
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Match the theorist with their concept:
Match the theorist with their concept:
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The thumbs-up emoji is universally interpreted as a positive sign.
The thumbs-up emoji is universally interpreted as a positive sign.
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Explain the significance of significant others in the development of the self.
Explain the significance of significant others in the development of the self.
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Which of the following is a method used in diversity training to foster understanding?
Which of the following is a method used in diversity training to foster understanding?
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According to the looking-glass self, our self-concept originates solely from our personal reflections.
According to the looking-glass self, our self-concept originates solely from our personal reflections.
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According to Mead, societal norms and expectations are shaped by the _____, which evolves over time.
According to Mead, societal norms and expectations are shaped by the _____, which evolves over time.
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What is a characteristic of the me aspect of the self?
What is a characteristic of the me aspect of the self?
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What is the primary purpose of taking the role of the other in childhood development?
What is the primary purpose of taking the role of the other in childhood development?
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Individuals may adjust their avatar appearances in virtual environments based on their ________ with real-life social norms.
Individuals may adjust their avatar appearances in virtual environments based on their ________ with real-life social norms.
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What is a potential consequence of internalizing a negative self-fulfilling prophecy?
What is a potential consequence of internalizing a negative self-fulfilling prophecy?
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Explain how symbolic interactionism views the formation of meaning in communication.
Explain how symbolic interactionism views the formation of meaning in communication.
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What is the 'looking-glass self' and how does it relate to self-concept?
What is the 'looking-glass self' and how does it relate to self-concept?
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Describe the two aspects of the 'self' as defined by George Herbert Mead.
Describe the two aspects of the 'self' as defined by George Herbert Mead.
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What is the significance of 'taking the role of the other' in symbolic interactionism?
What is the significance of 'taking the role of the other' in symbolic interactionism?
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Explain the connection between symbolic interactionism and the concept of 'self-fulfilling prophecy'.
Explain the connection between symbolic interactionism and the concept of 'self-fulfilling prophecy'.
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Describe how Erving Goffman's dramaturgy theory contributes to the understanding of social interaction.
Describe how Erving Goffman's dramaturgy theory contributes to the understanding of social interaction.
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What are some limitations of symbolic interactionism as a theoretical framework?
What are some limitations of symbolic interactionism as a theoretical framework?
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Provide an example of how the concept of 'symbols' is relevant in contemporary communication.
Provide an example of how the concept of 'symbols' is relevant in contemporary communication.
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Explain the significance of symbolic interactionism in the field of communication studies.
Explain the significance of symbolic interactionism in the field of communication studies.
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How can a student's defeatist attitude lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy in their academic performance?
How can a student's defeatist attitude lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy in their academic performance?
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In what ways do athletes utilize positive affirmations and visualization, and how does this relate to self-fulfilling prophecy?
In what ways do athletes utilize positive affirmations and visualization, and how does this relate to self-fulfilling prophecy?
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What is the difference between the front stage and backstage in Goffman's dramaturgical model?
What is the difference between the front stage and backstage in Goffman's dramaturgical model?
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How does symbolic interactionism contribute to understanding power dynamics in society?
How does symbolic interactionism contribute to understanding power dynamics in society?
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What major criticism do scholars have regarding the focus of symbolic interactionism?
What major criticism do scholars have regarding the focus of symbolic interactionism?
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How does symbolic interactionism contribute to understanding interpersonal communication?
How does symbolic interactionism contribute to understanding interpersonal communication?
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Explain the looking-glass self and its significance in personality development.
Explain the looking-glass self and its significance in personality development.
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Identify the key idea behind Goffman's dramaturgical model of social interaction.
Identify the key idea behind Goffman's dramaturgical model of social interaction.
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Discuss how media influences interpersonal communication according to the content provided.
Discuss how media influences interpersonal communication according to the content provided.
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What role does 'taking the role of the other' play in developing empathy and understanding in communication?
What role does 'taking the role of the other' play in developing empathy and understanding in communication?
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How do the concepts of 'I' and 'me' described by Mead contribute to the formation of the self?
How do the concepts of 'I' and 'me' described by Mead contribute to the formation of the self?
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In what ways can understanding symbolic interactionism enhance our analysis of identity within contemporary society?
In what ways can understanding symbolic interactionism enhance our analysis of identity within contemporary society?
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How can the meaning of an emoji change during a conversation?
How can the meaning of an emoji change during a conversation?
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Explain the difference between the 'I' and the 'me' in Mead's concept of self.
Explain the difference between the 'I' and the 'me' in Mead's concept of self.
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In what way does Tony Stark's character illustrate Mead's concepts of self?
In what way does Tony Stark's character illustrate Mead's concepts of self?
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What role do significant others play in the formation of self according to Mead?
What role do significant others play in the formation of self according to Mead?
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How is the concept of the generalized other significant in understanding social behavior?
How is the concept of the generalized other significant in understanding social behavior?
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What influences emoji interpretations across different cultures?
What influences emoji interpretations across different cultures?
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Why might using a ❤️ emoji with a colleague be considered inappropriate?
Why might using a ❤️ emoji with a colleague be considered inappropriate?
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How do ongoing social interactions affect the generalized other?
How do ongoing social interactions affect the generalized other?
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Describe how emojis contribute to a shared reality in digital communication.
Describe how emojis contribute to a shared reality in digital communication.
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How does Mead's notion of the self evolve over time?
How does Mead's notion of the self evolve over time?
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How does Tony Stark's character arc illustrate the concepts proposed by Mead regarding self-concept?
How does Tony Stark's character arc illustrate the concepts proposed by Mead regarding self-concept?
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What role does imaginative role-taking play in children's development, according to Mead?
What role does imaginative role-taking play in children's development, according to Mead?
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Define Cooley's concept of the looking-glass self and its three parts.
Define Cooley's concept of the looking-glass self and its three parts.
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Describe a practical example of taking the role of the other in workplace diversity training.
Describe a practical example of taking the role of the other in workplace diversity training.
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Explain how the concept of self-fulfilling prophecy relates to negative self-expectations.
Explain how the concept of self-fulfilling prophecy relates to negative self-expectations.
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What findings did Martey and Consalvo (2011) discover regarding avatar appearance in virtual environments?
What findings did Martey and Consalvo (2011) discover regarding avatar appearance in virtual environments?
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In what way do societal norms influence individual self-concept as per Mead's theories?
In what way do societal norms influence individual self-concept as per Mead's theories?
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What is the significance of 'taking the role of the other' for developing empathy?
What is the significance of 'taking the role of the other' for developing empathy?
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How do self-fulfilling prophecies perpetuate errors in social perceptions, according to Merton?
How do self-fulfilling prophecies perpetuate errors in social perceptions, according to Merton?
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Study Notes
Symbolic Interactionism in Interpersonal Communication
Today’s Agenda
➔ Symbolic Interactionism
➔ Break
➔ Theory Application 1
BUT FIRST!
Take out a piece of paper (or a blank Google/Word doc) and write a short description of your personality and characteristics.
Symbolic Interactionism
➔ Introduction and key thinkers
➔ Meaning: the construction of social reality
➔ Language: the source of meaning
➔ Thinking: the process of taking the role of the other
➔ The self: reflections in a looking glass
➔ Society: the socializing of other’s expectations
➔ Critique
Key Thinkers
➔ George Herbert Mead
➔ Herbert Blumer (yes, another Herbert)
➔ Charles Horton Cooley
➔ Erving Goffman
◆ Our Canadian treasure!
Introduction
➔ Symbolic Interaction: the ongoing use of language and gestures in anticipation of how the other will react; a conversation
◆ George Herbert Mead’s disciple, Herbert Blumer, coined the term symbolic interactionism
◆ Blumer stated the three core principles of SI deal with meaning, language, and thinking
◆ These premises lead to conclusions about the creation of a person’s self and socialization into the larger society
Meaning: the construction of social reality
➔ 1st premise: humans act towards people or things on the basis of the meanings they assign to those people or things (Blumer)
➔ Facts don’t speak for themselves; it’s our interpretation that counts.
Language: the source of meaning
➔ 2nd premise: meaning arises out of the social interaction that people have with each other
➔ As human beings, we have the ability to name things.
◆ Meaning is not inherent in objects
◆ Meaning is negotiated through language
Thinking: the process of taking the role of the other
➔ 3rd premise: an individual’s interpretation of symbols is modified by his or her own thought processes
◆ Symbolic interactionists describe thinking as inner conversation
◆ Minding: an inner dialogue used to test alternatives, rehearse actions, and anticipate reactions before responding; self-talk
The self: reflections in a looking glass
➔ Taking the role of the other: the process of mentally imagining that you are someone else who is viewing you
➔ Looking-glass self: the mental self-image that results from taking the role of the other; the objective self; me
Society: the socializing of other’s expectations
➔ Society consists of individual actors who make their own choices.
➔ Society-in-the-making rather than society-by-previous-design
Self-fulfilling prophecies
➔ A belief or expectation influences one’s behavior in a way that leads the belief to come true.
Dramaturgy
➔ Concept defined by Goffman
◆ Revolves around the idea that people engage in impression management, carefully curating the image they present to others
◆ Life is divided into the “front stage” and the “backstage”
Limitations and critiques
➔ The micro-focus on individual interactions tends to overshadow broader structural factors that contribute to social dynamics, neglecting systemic issues like inequalities and power imbalances.
- Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective focusing on interpersonal dynamics within a society.
- It argues that communication, the exchange of meaning through symbols, is crucial in shaping understanding and navigating social environments.
- This perspective gained prominence in the early 20th century.
- It is an interpersonal communication theory.
Key Thinkers and Concepts
- Charles Horton Cooley: Introduced the "looking-glass self," explaining how self-concept develops through perceived judgments of others.
- George Herbert Mead: A key founder, explored symbols, language, and social interaction in self-formation. His work, "Mind, Self, and Society," detailed these concepts.
- Herbert Blumer: Coined the term "symbolic interactionism" to formalize and popularize Mead's theories.
- Erving Goffman: Introduced "dramaturgy," viewing social life as a theatrical performance with front-stage and backstage interactions. (Canadian!).
Foundational Concepts
-
Symbols: Language, as a system of symbols, conveys agreed-upon meanings within a social group, fostering a shared understanding. Meaning is socially constructed, not inherent.
- Emojis are a modern example, with socially constructed meanings that can differ across cultures. (e.g., thumbs up acceptable in some, but not in others)
-
Self (I and me): Mead's concepts of the self, having the spontaneous "I" and the conforming "me".
- The "I" represents the impulsive, creative self, while the "me" reflects the socialized, conforming aspects.
- Significant other: Crucial individuals shaping identity through personal interaction
- Generalized other: The internalized sense of broader societal norms and values, evolving over time. Family, peers, institutions, and media influence this.
-
Looking-glass self: Individuals develop their self-concept through imagined perceptions of others' judgments.
- Example of study on avatars in Second Life demonstrates the looking glass self in virtual environments. It reveals individuals carefully crafting their virtual appearances to align with social norms and group identities.
-
Taking the role of others: Imagining others' perspectives to anticipate reactions, leading to self-awareness and social understanding.
- Diversity and inclusion training uses role-playing to foster empathy and awareness for different perspectives.
-
Self-fulfilling prophecy: Beliefs about oneself affect behavior, leading those beliefs to become true.
- Negative beliefs can affect performance (e.g., in school or sports); positive affirmations can create a different result.
-
Dramaturgy (Goffman): Social interactions are theatrical performances; individuals manage impressions to present a desired image.
- Restaurant server example demonstrates the "front stage" (welcoming customers) and "backstage" (kitchen breaks) aspects of social roles. Front stage is public presentation, backstage is private.
Connections to Communication Studies
- Symbolic interactionism is crucial for understanding how communication shapes identities and influences social norms.
- It demonstrates the importance of audience interpretation and provides a framework for analyzing power dynamics in interaction.
Limitations
- Symbolic interactionism's focus on individual interactions might overlook broader societal factors (e.g., inequality).
- Some concepts are subjective, making empirical measurement difficult.
- Varying interpretations of symbols and the complex generalized other can cause problems in application. Differences in meanings across cultures and generations can also be missed.
- The focus on micro-level interaction can neglect broader structural factors like inequality.
- Ambiguity in terminology and inherent subjectivity can present challenges in precise application and testing.
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Description
This quiz explores the concepts of symbolic interactionism as it relates to interpersonal communication. You will learn about key thinkers like Cooley, Mead, Blumer, and Goffman and their contributions to this sociological perspective. Test your knowledge on how communication shapes social understanding and interactions.