Chapter 5: The Self Flashcards
Self-awareness can happen
This ma occur deliberately or spontaneously
We might be intentionally comparing ourselves to our goals
Also spontaneously do it
Catching sight in mirror
Self-awareness theory
Self awareness theory-
When focussed inward we evaluate ourselves
We often almost always fail to meet our standards
This can be very aversive
Self-awareness theory studies:
The use of personal pronouns in artists when they became famous
Whether or not people will cheat when faced against a mirror
Reaction to self awareness:
What can we do in response to these discrepancies?
1. Change the self to meet the standards
- If it’s not possible to change, people escape or avoid self awareness
Introspection
Introspection
A more direct process of looking inward to understand their thoughts and behaviors
We don’t do it often or well
Introspection study demonstrating how it is bad
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
Causal theories
Plausible reasons or explanations for why somebody liked something that are not necessarily correct
Theory stating that
Thinking about reasons produces less optimal choices
Thinking about reasons leads to less satisfaction with choices
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.
Introspection brings to mind theories that are (three things)
Introspection brings to mind theories that are
Accessible
Plausible
Easy to verbalized
Self perception theory and study
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
Self perception and motivation factors
Self perception and motivation
Intrinsic motivation derives from factors inside
-Liking
Extrinsic motivation derives from factors outside
-Rewards
Over justification effect and study
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
Social comparison theory and types of comparison
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
Resource model of self-control and study
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.
Self-control
Conscious will or overriding influences
Ego depletion
A state of depleted self-control
Effective strategies for increasing self-control
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
Self-esteem
Self esteem
Peoples evaluation of their own self-worth (good, competent, decent)
Functions of self esteem
Sociometer hypothesis
Terror management/mortality hypothesis
Motivates perseverance
Self esteem in overdrive
Self compassion
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
Self evaluation model/two-part self-esteem model
Reflection process
Comparison process
Self evaluation model and studies
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
Impression management
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
Words that start with self:
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
