03_The Self in the Social Context Flashcards
Self-Concept:
4 cognitive components
Self-schema
Self-perception
Social comparison
Self-verification
Core Self-Schemas
Cognitive generalizations about self from experience
Relatively stable and salient across situations
Organize and guide info-processing in social contexts
Peripheral Self-Schemas
Embedded in core self schemas
Malleable
Tied to immediate social conditions
The Barnum Effect
Tendency to accept vague or general descriptions as accurate
E.g. horoscope; handwriting/personality analysis
Majority of people agree is highly accurate description of themselves
Attributed to gullibility, selective memory, self-serving and confirmation biases
Self-Perception Theory:
Overview
Seeking information by observing one’s behaviors in the social context when internal cues are insufficient
Self-Perception Theory:
Schacter and Singer’s Epinephrine Studies
Perception of emotion depends on combination of physiological arousal & cognitive label for that arousal
In ambiguous situations, people look at cues and external environment to identify their internal states
Self-Perception Theory:
Overjustification Hypothesis
Decrease of Intrinsic Interest in an activity when an external reward is given for its performance
Social Comparison Theory (Festinger)
We evaluate our own opinions and behaviors by comparing them to people with similar attitudes and and attributes
Social Comparison Theory:
Downward Comparisons
Dissimilar comparison is made when evaluating an undesirable behavior or action
E.g. judging our own level of anger, likely to compare ourselves to others be considered to be even more angry
Self-Verification Theory
Attention is directed toward info consistent with self-concept
Greater ability to remember info consistent with self-concept
**Intimate partners display higher commitment to partners who confirm their negative self perceptions
Self-Presentation:
High self-monitoring individuals
Strive to match attitudes and behaviors to the situation
Guided by “Public Self”
Self-handicapping
Engaging in behaviors that will provide an excuse for an anticipated failure
Goal is to protect self-esteem and public image
Perceived Self-Control:
Effects of High Self-Efficacy
Higher productivity and academic achievement
Reduced vulnerability to depression and anxiety
Better response to treatment for health-related problems
Locus of Control (Rotter)
Extent to which people believe that personal outcomes are controlled by internal vs external factors
External Locus of Control
Outcomes are controlled by external forces such as luck, other people, or nature of the situation
