Chapter 5 - The Self

Question 1

When does self recognition occur? What does it evolve into? (2)

Answer 1

-18 to 24 months
-self-concept

Question 2

What is self-concept defined as?

Answer 2

-knowledge we have about who we are

Question 3

What are self-schemas? What is an example? (2)

Answer 3

-knowledge about the self that influence what we notice, think about and remember about ourselves
Example: seeing yourself as an athlete

Question 4

What is self-concept clarity? What is more likely for people with low self-concept to experience? (2)

Answer 4

-the extent to which knowledge about the self is stable and clear
-they tend to have low self-esteem and are prone to depression

Question 5

When we say that Western people have a more independent view of themselves what does this mean? How are Eastern cultures with inter-dependent views of themselves different from this? (2)

Answer 5

-western people tend to define themselves in terms of their own internal thoughts and feelings and actions rather than those of others
-this is vice versa for Easter cultures

Question 6

What are the difference in gender when it comes to defining the self? (2)

Answer 6

-women have a relational interdependent view of the self
-men have a collective interdependence

Question 7

What do you mean when you say women have a relational interdependent view?

Answer 7

-meaning they define themselves in terms of their relationships with others, do they have children are they mothers, partners etc

Question 8

What do you mean when you say men have a collective interdependence?

Answer 8

-they define themselves in terms of social groups such as sports team, cars or interests

Question 9

What does self-awareness theory posit?

Answer 9

-when people focus on themselves, they evaluate and compare their behaviour to their internal standards and values

Question 10

When people look at themselves in the mirror, what are they more likely to engage in?

Answer 10

-introspection

Question 11

What does the term “telling more than we know” mean?

Answer 11

-it describes peoples tendency to explain more about their feelings and behaviour than they actually know

Question 12

What are causal theories? What should you note about them? (2)

Answer 12

-theories about the cause of your own feelings or behaviours
-they can be wrong and are influenced by culture

Question 13

What does self-perception theory posit? What is an example?

Answer 13

-when we are unsure about our attitudes/feelings toward something, we look to our relevant behaviour for answers
Example: Do I like running? I go running every day so I must like running.

Question 14

What is intrinsic motivation?

Answer 14

-the desire to engage in an activity because we enjoy it or find it interesting

Question 15

What is extrinsic motivation?

Answer 15

-desire to engage in an activity because of external reward or pressure

Question 16

What is the overjustification effect? Example? (2)

Answer 16

-if you replace intrinsic motivation with extrinsic motivation this can causes people to lose interest in the activity they initially enjoyed
-Mom enjoys crochet, but is worried she will lose enjoyment if she begins to sell her projects

Question 17

What are performance-contingent rewards? Example? (2)

Answer 17

-These rewards are given based on how well a person performs a task or meets a specific standard.
Example: A sales person gets a bonus for selling.

Question 18

What are task-contingent rewards?

Answer 18

-These rewards are given simply for completing a task, regardless of the quality or level of performance.
Example: A student receives a sticker for completing a homework assignment, regardless of how well it is done.

Question 19

Which type of reward, performance or task, is less likely to decrease intrinsic interest?

Answer 19

-performance

Question 20

What is the looking-glass self concept? Example? (2)

Answer 20

-phenomenon of seeing ourselves through the eyes of others and incorporating their views into our self-concept
-Your parents say you are creative

Question 21

What is social comparison theory?

Answer 21

-we compare ourselves to people who are similar when we experience some uncertainty about ourselves in a particular area

Question 22

How does the self-concept serve as an executive function to us?

Answer 22

-it regulates our behaviour, choices and plans for the future

Question 23

What is downward social compatibility?

Answer 23

-we compare ourselves to people who are worse than we are, can include comparing current performance with past performances

Question 24

What is an upward social comparison? What can this threaten? (2)

Answer 24

-we compare ourselves to people who are better
-can be threatening to our self-esteem

Question 25

What do the effects of upward and downward comparisons depend on when it comes to a relationship?

Answer 25

-if it causes you to appreciate or regret your relationship

Question 26

Which cultures are more motivated by successful role models and which are motivated by negative role models?

Answer 26

-European Canadians are more motivated by positive (achieving success) and Asian-Canadians more motivated by negative (avoiding failure)

Question 27

What does a sociometer do?

Answer 27

-it monitors the environment for cues about the extent to which we are accepted or rejected by others

Question 28

What does someone do if they participate in self-enhancement? What can it result in? What cultures is this more a part of (3)

Answer 28

-unrealistically positive view of oneself
-higher self-esteem and life satisfaction
-individualistic cultures

Question 29

What is self-effacement? What cultures is this found in more? (2)

Answer 29

-tendency to hold negative view of oneself
-collectivist

Question 30

What is self-verification theory?

Answer 30

-people have a need to seek confirmation of their self-concept, whether the self-concept is positive or negative

Question 31

When does the self-verification theory result in conflict?

Answer 31

-if looking for confirmation conflicts with the desire to uphold a favourable view of oneself