Exam 2 (5-6) Flashcards
Define Self-Concept
The overall set of beliefs that people have abt their personal attributes
Self-Concept becomes more ______ and _______.
Abstract and Psychological
What are two cultural influences on the self concept?
-Independent view on the self-concept
-Interdependent view on the self concept
Define Independent view on self concept
Way of defining oneself in terms of one’s own internal thoughts, feelings and actions of others
Interdependent view of the self
Way of defining oneself determined by other’s feelings + thoughts
Individualistic cultures have a _________ view of the self
Independent
Collectivistic Cultures have a ________ view of the self
Interdependent
What are the four functions of self ?
-Self-Knowledge
-Self-Control
-Impression Management
-Self-Esteem
How does a person gain self-knowledge?
-Introspection (looking within ourselves)
-Observing our behavior
-Comparing ourselves to others
What is an example of an independent view of the self?
Define yourself in terms of your unique sense of self.
Ex: I am a procrastinator; i am different
What is an example of interdependent view of the self?
People with this view are more likely to refer to social groups (like family or religious groups )
Ex: I am American
Define Self-Knowledge
The way we understand who we are and formulate/organize this info
Define Self-Control
The way we make plans and execute decisions
Define Impression Management
The way we present ourselves to other people and get them to see us the way we want to be seen
Define Self-Esteem
The way in which we try to maintain a positive view of ourselves
Define Introspection
Process whereby people look inward and examine their own thoughts, feelings + Motives
What is 2 interesting things about Introspection?
-people avoid it bc thinking about ourselves can be unpleasant
-even when people do introspect, they may not know the true reasons for their feelings and behavior
Define Self-Awareness Theory
When ppl focus their attention on themselves and evaluate + compare their behavior to their internal standards + values
What are the negative aspects of self-awareness?
-aversive when it reminds us of our shortcomings and under these circumstances ppl try to avoid it
Example of negative aspect of self-awareness
-If you fail at something, so you get drunk afterwards to avoid thinking about it
Example of positive Aspects of self-awareness
-you think you’re a pretty moral person but your about to cheat on an exam. Being self-aware will make you aware of your morality so that you probably wont do it.
Define Casual theories
Theories about the causes of one’s feelings and behaviors
What is an example of a casual theory?
Ex: -“absence makes the heart grow founder”
-feeling sad on a Monday bc its the start of the work week
Define Self-Perception Theory
When our attributes + feelings are uncertain or ambiguous. we infer these states based on observing our behavior + situation in which it occurs
Self-Perception only works when?
-We don’t know how we feel
-ppl judge us whether their behavior reflects how they feel or whether it was the situation that made them act that way
What is an example of the self-perception theory when we don’t know how we feel?
Ex: -if someone asks you if you like Straykids? But you don’t know how you feel so you look at your behavior. You see yourself bobbing your head (because their music is the best) so you say you like them
What is an example of self-perception theory when people judge their behavior to see if that is really how they feel?
Ex: -You were listening to Straykids on your own free will, then you are more likely to conclude that you like them
(If forced to listen to them you are less likely to come to that conclusion)
What is two-factor theory of emotion?
Another way of obtaining self-knowledge is through your explanation of arousal that you are experiencing by looking at your situation (arousal = physiological behavior)
What are some examples of two-factor theory of emotion?
-increased heart rate
-sweating/clamminess
-butterflies in your stomach
What are the two types of motivations?
-Intrinsic Motivation
-Extrinsic Motivation
Define Intrinsic Motivavtion
Desire to engage in activity bc we enjoy it/ find it interesting not bc of external rewards or pressures
What is an example of an intrinsic Motivation
-going to the gym bc you actually like it
Define Extrinsic Motivation
Engaging in an activity bc external rewards or pressures not bc we enjoy the task or find it interesting
What is an example of an Extrinsic Motivation?
-going to work even though you hate it but you do it because you are getting paid for it
Define the Overjustification Effect
Tendency for ppl to view their behavior as caused by compelling extrinsic reasons, making them underestimate the extent to which it was caused by intrinsic reasons
What is an example of the overjustification effect?
Ex: -Kid likes to read but then gets rewarded for it. They used to enjoy it but now only do it to get the reward
What does the overjustification effect make people do?
Makes ppl lose interest in the activity they initially enjoyed
How can we prevent overjustification?
-Rewards will only undermine intrinsic motivation if initial interest is high (no initial interest, then extrinsic motivation isn’t bad)
-type of reward makes a difference
What are the different types of rewards?
-Task-Contingent
-Performance-Contingent
Define Task-Contingent Rewards
Rewards that are given for performing a task, regardless of how well the task is done (as long as its done)
What is an example of Task-Contingent reward?
Ex: if your parents would make you clean, but they don’t check to see if you code it good
Define Performance-Contingent Rewards
Rewards that are based on how well you perform a task (must have done a good job to receive the reward)
What is an example of Performance-contingent reward?
When your told to clean the bathroom and they check after your done to see if you get reward or not
Which type of reward helps prevent the Over-justification effect?
Performance-Contingent Rewards
Define Social Comparison Theory
We learn abt our own abilities + attitudes by comparing ourselves to other ppl
When do we engage in a social comparison?
-When there is no objective standard (don’t know if your being generous or not)
-When you experience uncertainty abt yourself
Who do we choose to compare ourselves to?
Ppl similar to us (goals, backgrounds)
What are the types of Social Comparison?
-upward social comparison
-downward social comparison
-temporal comparison
Define Upward Social Comparison
Comparing ourselves to ppl who are better that we are on particular trait/ability
What are two outcomes of upward social comparison?
-feel inspired by person
-dissatisfied or demoralized
What are the outcomes of downward social comparison?
-feel better about yourself
Define Temporal Comparison
Comparing your current performance with your own past performances
What are the two different types of temporal comparison?
-upward
-downward
What is an upward temporal comparison?
Past self was better than were/or you are right now (can make one feel inspired/dissatisfied)
Define downward temporal comparison
Past self was worse than where you are now (you get to feel better about yourself)
How do our goals affect the comparisons we make?
-Accuracy Goals: compare urself w/ someone who is similiar
-Inspirational Goals: Upward Comparison
-Self-enhancement Goals: Downward Comparison
Define Self Control
Ability 2 subdue immediate desires to achieve long-term goals
How can someone improve self-control?
-form implementation intentions
-Arrange environment to avoid temptation
Define Form implementation Intentions
Ppl’s specific plans to do things to allow success make “if-then plans”
What is an example of Form implementation intentions?
If you want a snack it has to be an apple/healthy
Define arranging an environment to avoid temptation
When you purposely do something to avoid temptation of something
What is an example of arranging an environment to avoid temptation?
-not buying junk food bc you don’t want to eat it
-putting your phone in another room while studying so you wont be tempted to look at it when studying.
Define Impression Management
Attempt by ppl to get others to see them as they want to be seen
What are the different types of Impression Management?
-Integration
-Self-Handicapping
Define Integration
Process by which ppl flatter, praise, and generally try to make themselves like able to another person, often higher status
What are some problems with Integration?
Can backfire if recipient thinks u are insincere
Define Self-Handicapping
Strategy whereby ppl create obstacles + excuses for themselves so that if they do poorly on a task, they can avoid blaming themselves
What are the 2 different types of self-handicapping?
-behavioral self-handicapping
-reported self-handicapping
Define Behavioral Self-Handicapping
Creating actual obstacles that reduce the likelihood that they will succeed on a task
What is an example of Behavioral Self-Handicapping?
Knowing you have an exam, but still picking up lots of shifts so they have an excuse/reason to still look good
Define Reported Self-Handicapping
Devise ready- made excuses in case they fail
What is an example to Reported Self Handicapping?
Saying you feel sick or are coming down with something to excuse if you do bad and if you do good you look good as well.
What are some problems with self-handicapping?
- you can come to believe premade excuses + exert less effort on task (poor Performance)
-risk of being disliked by peers (sum1 who makes excuses for everything)
Define Cognitive Dissonance
The discomfort that ppl feel when they behave in ways that threaten their self-esteem
Since we are always trying to reduce dissonance what are 3 ways to do this?
- Change Behavior
- Change attitude
- Excuse
Define Self-Affirmation Theory
The idea that ppl can reduce threats to their self-esteem by affirming themselves in areas unrelated to the source of that threat
Define Post-decision Decision
Dissonance aroused after making a decision, reduced by making what you picked to seem better than before + making what you rejected seem worse than before
What affects decision dissonance?
-importance
-permanence
Define Justification of effort
Tendency for individuals to increase their liking for something they have worked hard for
What are the 2 types of Justification?
-External justification
-Internal Justification
Define external Justification
An excuse reason or justification for dissonant behavior that resides outside the individual
Define Internal Justification
The reduction by changing something about oneself
define Counter attitudinal Advocacy
Acting in a way that runs counter to one’s private belief/attitude
Define Insufficient External Justification
When you can’t find an excuse to use
What does the Ben Franklin Effect say?
Based on cognitive dissonance theory we end up liking a person more if we don’t like them at first
What is the reasoning behind the Ben Franklin Effect?
Bc we have to justify why we did sum nice for someone we don’t like
Define Insufficient Punishment
Dissonance when ppl lack sufficient external justification for having resisted desired activity/object leading to person devolving activity/object (can’t make good enough excuse)
Define Self-Evaluation Maintenance Theory
Idea that ppl exp dissonance when someone close to us outperforms us in an area that is central to our self-esteem
How do we overcome Dissonance?
-learning from our mistakes (don’t get caught in the Rationalization Trap
Define the Rationalization Trap
Cycle of rationalizing/justifying dissonant behavior (don’t learn anything) and continue to behave in ways that cause cognitive dissonance
Define Narcissim
Combination of excessive self-love + lack of empathy towards others (have been rising since 80’s and are more prevalent in US)
What are the negative impacts of narcissism
-do worse academically
-violent/aggressive
-disliked by others
-less successful in business
What do ppl who are non narcissist have higher levels of?
Happiness
Define Attitude
Evaluations of ppl, objects, and ideas
Define Attitude Objects
The target of out attributes; what we are evaluating (ex: ppl, issues, places, objects)
What are the three components of an attitude?
-Cognitive
-Affective
-Behavioral
Define Cognitive Component of Attitude
Consists of your thoughts + beliefs about attitude object
Define Affective Component of an Attitude
Consists of your emotional reactions toward the attitude object
Define Behavioral Component of an attitude
Consists of your actions or observable behavior toward attitude
Example of the Cognitive Component (thoughts, beliefs)
When buying a car. You consider the car’s price, financing options,features gas mileage, safety, warranty
Example of Affective Component (emotions, feelings)
When buying a car. You feel happy and excited about this car
Example of Behavioral Component
When buying a car. You ask for a test drive and want to discuss financing
Define Cognitively based Attitude
An attitude based primarily on ppl’s beliefs abt the properties of an attitude object
Define Affectively based attitude
An attitude based on ppl’s feelings + values
Where do affectively based attitudes come from?
-ppl’s values
-sensory reactions
-aesthetic reactions
-conditioning
Define Behaviorally Based Attitude
An attitude based on observations of how one behaves towards and attitude object
Attitude Accessibility
Strength of association between attitude + object + persons evaluation of that object, measured by the speed which ppl can report how they feel abt the object
Define the theory of planned behavior
Idea that ppl’s intentions are the best predictions of their deliberate behavior which we determine by one’s attitudes toward spec behavior, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control
Define persuasive communication
A message advocating a particular side of an issue
what is the Yale attitude change approach?
“Who said what to whom”
Can tell you which one is more important
Define Elaboration Likelihood Model
Explains the two ways which persuasive communications can cause attitude change
Define the central route to persuasion
The case where ppl have both the ability + motivation to elaborate on a persuasive communication, listening, carefully + thinking of arguments presented
Define Reactance Theory
Idea ppl feel their freedom is threatened, an unpleasant state of resistance is aroused which they can reduce by performing
Define attitude Inocualtion
Making ppl immune to attempts to change their attitudes by exposing them to small doses of the arguments against their position
Define Subliminal Advertising
Words/pictures that are not consciously perceived but may influence ppl’s judgements, attitudes + behaviors (don’t work in real world)
Define fear amusing communications
Persuasive messages that attempt to change ppl’s attitudes by scaring them (arousing their fear)
Peripheral Route to Persuasion
-ppl not motivated
-do not have the ability to pay attention
(Automatic thinking)
Central Route to Persuasion
-paying attention
-listening
-strong logical arguments
