Chapter 5: The Self

Question 0

Self-awareness can happen

Answer 0

This ma occur deliberately or spontaneously

We might be intentionally comparing ourselves to our goals

Also spontaneously do it
Catching sight in mirror

Question 1

Self-awareness theory

Answer 1

Self awareness theory-
When focussed inward we evaluate ourselves
We often almost always fail to meet our standards
This can be very aversive

Question 2

Self-awareness theory studies:

Answer 2

The use of personal pronouns in artists when they became famous

Whether or not people will cheat when faced against a mirror

Question 3

Reaction to self awareness:

Answer 3

What can we do in response to these discrepancies?
1. Change the self to meet the standards

2. If it’s not possible to change, people escape or avoid self awareness

Question 4

Introspection

Answer 4

Introspection
A more direct process of looking inward to understand their thoughts and behaviors

We don’t do it often or well

Question 5

Introspection study demonstrating how it is bad

Answer 5

Do people understand the reason for their preferences?
Nisbett and Wilson (1977)
They predicted people tend to prefer the last item in a series but they didn’t give that as a reason for why they chose it

The last one was rated better

None listed position as a reason and were taken aback when they were asked about position

Question 6

Causal theories

Answer 6

Plausible reasons or explanations for why somebody liked something that are not necessarily correct

Question 7

Theory stating that

Thinking about reasons produces less optimal choices

Thinking about reasons leads to less satisfaction with choices

Answer 7

Thinking about reasons leads to less optimal choices
-Wilson and schooler 1991
participants rated jams, those who thought about the reasons behind it produce less optimal ratings

Wilson et al. 1993
Researchers offered people paintings, those who thought about the reasons behind why they like them like them less in the long run.

Question 8

Introspection brings to mind theories that are (three things)

Answer 8

Introspection brings to mind theories that are
Accessible
Plausible
Easy to verbalized

Question 9

Self perception theory and study

Answer 9

Self perception theory
We may decide on our attitudes by placing ourselves in the situation

Study:
Our attitudes can be influenced by simply not in our heads
People were “testing headphones” that was playing a message that went against their views, more people agreed with it when they were nodding than not

Question 10

Self perception and motivation factors

Answer 10

Self perception and motivation

Intrinsic motivation derives from factors inside
-Liking
Extrinsic motivation derives from factors outside
-Rewards

Question 11

Over justification effect and study

Answer 11

Over justification effect
Intrinsic motivation decreases for activities that become associated with rewards or other extrinsic matters
When you tack on a reward you like it a bit less

Lepper green 1973
Study preschoolers who were drawing. Those who ended up drawing for a reward liked it less then those who were drawing for fun or received a spot surprise reward

Question 12

Social comparison theory and types of comparison

Answer 12

Social comparison theory
We evaluate ourselves by comparing ourselves to other people

Upward comparison, compare to someone better
Can be motivating or demoralizing

Downward comparison
Makes us feel better

Question 13

Resource model of self-control and study

Answer 13

Resource model of self control
Self control requires and consumes energy of what we have limited amounts of
We don’t know what this resource is, but it exists

Mauraven tice baumeister 1998
Told people to not think about the bear. Then they worked on an unsolvable anagram. Those who had to not think about the bear worked on it for last time because they used up their self control.

Question 14

Self-control

Answer 14

Conscious will or overriding influences

Question 15

Ego depletion

Answer 15

A state of depleted self-control

Question 16

Effective strategies for increasing self-control

Answer 16

Effective strategies for self control
Mental contrasting
Positive, realistic thinking about the outcomes of a goal

Implementation intentions
If then plans
If \_\_\_ happens I will do \_\_\_
Set up a situation queuing you to do a second part
It automatizes goal control

Question 17

Self-esteem

Answer 17

Self esteem

Peoples evaluation of their own self-worth (good, competent, decent)

Question 18

Functions of self esteem

Sociometer hypothesis

Terror management/mortality hypothesis

Motivates perseverance

Self esteem in overdrive

Self compassion

Answer 18

Functions of self esteem

Sociometer hypothesis
Indicator of whether or not we’re fitting in

Terror management
Buffer against terrifying thoughts about death

Mortality hypothesis
the more salient (imminent or focused) our mortality becomes we should have a greater need for self esteem

Motivates perseverance
Exaggerates our chances of success to increase motivation

Self esteem in overdrive
Narcissism- unhealthy form of self esteem, Excessive self love and disengaging from others

Self compassion
Treating oneself with kindness particularly after failures

Question 19

Self evaluation model/two-part self-esteem model

Answer 19

Reflection process

Comparison process

Question 20

Self evaluation model and studies

Answer 20

Reflection process
-Another's victories reflect onto you
Cialdini 1976
BURGing (Basking in reflective glory)
-people were more likely to wear school spirit clothes on days that their team won

Comparison process
Gergen 1970
People showed up for a job interview, they felt better about themselves when someone trashy showed up, but worse about themselves one someone classy did.

Is a matter is not relevant reflection process is used, if it is relevant comparison process is used

Question 21

Impression management

Answer 21

Impression management
a goal-directed conscious or subconscious process in which people attempt to influence the perceptions of other people about a person, object or event

Question 22

Words that start with self:

Answer 22

Self esteem
–how one feels about themselves

Self compassion
– Being kind to oneself

Self-awareness
– A process of comparing oneself to goals, when focused inward we evaluate ourselves

Self justification
– How somebody justifies a dissonant cognition

Self perception
– How we behave in a situation determining our attitude

Self-control
– conscious will or overriding influences

Self evaluation model
– Two-part self-esteem model including reflection and comparison process depending on relevance