Chapter 5 - The Self Flashcards
When does self recognition occur? What does it evolve into? (2)
-18 to 24 months
-self-concept
What is self-concept defined as?
-knowledge we have about who we are
What are self-schemas? What is an example? (2)
-knowledge about the self that influence what we notice, think about and remember about ourselves
Example: seeing yourself as an athlete
What is self-concept clarity? What is more likely for people with low self-concept to experience? (2)
-the extent to which knowledge about the self is stable and clear
-they tend to have low self-esteem and are prone to depression
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)
-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
What are the difference in gender when it comes to defining the self? (2)
-women have a relational interdependent view of the self
-men have a collective interdependence
What do you mean when you say women have a relational interdependent view?
-meaning they define themselves in terms of their relationships with others, do they have children are they mothers, partners etc
What do you mean when you say men have a collective interdependence?
-they define themselves in terms of social groups such as sports team, cars or interests
What does self-awareness theory posit?
-when people focus on themselves, they evaluate and compare their behaviour to their internal standards and values
When people look at themselves in the mirror, what are they more likely to engage in?
-introspection
What does the term “telling more than we know” mean?
-it describes peoples tendency to explain more about their feelings and behaviour than they actually know
What are causal theories? What should you note about them? (2)
-theories about the cause of your own feelings or behaviours
-they can be wrong and are influenced by culture
What does self-perception theory posit? What is an example?
-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.
What is intrinsic motivation?
-the desire to engage in an activity because we enjoy it or find it interesting
What is extrinsic motivation?
-desire to engage in an activity because of external reward or pressure
What is the overjustification effect? Example? (2)
-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
What are performance-contingent rewards? Example? (2)
-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.
What are task-contingent rewards?
-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.
Which type of reward, performance or task, is less likely to decrease intrinsic interest?
-performance
What is the looking-glass self concept? Example? (2)
-phenomenon of seeing ourselves through the eyes of others and incorporating their views into our self-concept
-Your parents say you are creative
What is social comparison theory?
-we compare ourselves to people who are similar when we experience some uncertainty about ourselves in a particular area
How does the self-concept serve as an executive function to us?
-it regulates our behaviour, choices and plans for the future
What is downward social compatibility?
-we compare ourselves to people who are worse than we are, can include comparing current performance with past performances
What is an upward social comparison? What can this threaten? (2)
-we compare ourselves to people who are better
-can be threatening to our self-esteem
What do the effects of upward and downward comparisons depend on when it comes to a relationship?
-if it causes you to appreciate or regret your relationship
Which cultures are more motivated by successful role models and which are motivated by negative role models?
-European Canadians are more motivated by positive (achieving success) and Asian-Canadians more motivated by negative (avoiding failure)
What does a sociometer do?
-it monitors the environment for cues about the extent to which we are accepted or rejected by others
What does someone do if they participate in self-enhancement? What can it result in? What cultures is this more a part of (3)
-unrealistically positive view of oneself
-higher self-esteem and life satisfaction
-individualistic cultures
What is self-effacement? What cultures is this found in more? (2)
-tendency to hold negative view of oneself
-collectivist
What is self-verification theory?
-people have a need to seek confirmation of their self-concept, whether the self-concept is positive or negative
When does the self-verification theory result in conflict?
-if looking for confirmation conflicts with the desire to uphold a favourable view of oneself
