chapter 15

Question 1

symbolic interaction (SI) theory

Answer 1

a theory that explains how people create and interpret meaning through social interactions using symbols, like language and gestures

Question 2

self-concept

Answer 2

a relatively stable set of perceptions people hold about themselves

Question 3

self-fulfilling prophecy

Answer 3

a prediction about yourself causing you to behave in such a way that it comes true

Question 4

mind

Answer 4

the ability to use symbols with common social meanings

Question 5

language

Answer 5

a shared system of verbal and nonverbal symbols

Question 6

significant symbols

Answer 6

symbols whose meaning is generally agreed upon by many people

Question 7

thought

Answer 7

an inner conversation

Question 8

role-taking

Answer 8

the ability to put oneself in another’s place

Question 9

self

Answer 9

imagining how we look to another person

Question 10

i

Answer 10

the spontaneous, impulsive, creative self

Question 11

me

Answer 11

the reflective, socially aware self

Question 12

looking-glass self

Answer 12

another term for “self”; our ability to see ourselves as another sees us

Question 13

pygmalion effect

Answer 13

living up to or down to another’s expectations of us

Question 14

society

Answer 14

the web of social relationships humans create and respond to

Question 15

particular others

Answer 15

individuals who are significant to us

Question 16

generalized other

Answer 16

the attitude of the whole community

Question 17

uncertainty reduction theory (URT)

Answer 17

A communication theory explaining how individuals use verbal and nonverbal interactions to reduce uncertainty about others’ behaviors and beliefs during initial encounters