Module 4 - Self-regulation Flashcards
Which do we perform quicker, automatic or controlled processing?
Automatic. Automatic processing takes less resources and so is faster than controlled processing.
Schneider and Shiffrin (1977) study?
Participants were much quicker at finding numbers in slides than they were at finding letters.
This study shows that automatic processing is not biologically based; it is learned. We have learned to isolate the numbers.
The authors of this study concluded that we can “automate” a process by practising it 2,100 times.
What does ironic process mean?
Ironic process is what Wegner called “the irony of not thinking”. This means that trying to think about a particular idea makes the idea hyperaccessible. Ironic process says that the attempt to control unwanted thoughts or mental states may play a role in perpetuating them; thus, if I am trying to fall asleep, the last thing that I should think about is falling asleep.
The three assumptions of consciousness?
- The physics assumption: consciousness can be explained as conventional physical activity, e.g., neural activity, changes in activation levels etc., a movement through the biological mechanics of the nervous system.
- The evolutionary assumption: consciousness is due to natural selection. It is a recent development and not all animals share it.
- The qualia assumption: qualitative, subjective aspects of consciousness cannot be communicated directly through scientific theory. For example, what is the colour red?
Explain Carver and Scheier’s cybernetic self-regulation theory?
Carver and Scheier assert that self-regulation occurs through the operation of a feedback loop in the manner of a TOTE system.
T test
O operate
T test
E exist
T: The organism notices that some aspect of its functioning is outside of normal/desired parameters (there is a discrepancy between the actual and the ideal).
O: The organism engages in some behaviour to change this discrepancy between the actual state and the ideal state.
T: After behaving, the organism tries to determine whether the discrepancy has been sufficiently reduced.
E: If the discrepancy has been reduced, the organism exits the system (if not, O and T are repeated until the discrepancy is reduced).
What is cybernetics?
Cybernetics is the science of feedback processes.
Does TOTE apply to only biological processes?
No. While TOTE does work to restore biological processes like hunger, thirst, body temperature and sleep, the process of behaviour regulation works in a similar way to the bodily systems that regulate blood sugar levels or temperature. We can view our behaviour as being sufficient or discrepant from a goal.
Three main reasons for self-regulation failure according to Baumeister, Heatherton and Tice?
Conflicting standards: I want to lose weight (long term) but I also want that piece of cake. The short-term gain (yummy cake) may win out.
Reduction of monitoring: when behaviour is not being monitored (for example, during times of great stress or when under the influence of alcohol) one might fail to regulate behaviour.
Inadequate strength: willpower works like a muscle.
What is the difference between a negative feedback system and a positive feedback system?
In a negative feedback loop, the output function reduces the discrepancy. It serves to stabilise the system. In a positive feedback system, the new data accelerates the transformation or increases the difference.
Basic premises of self-regulation of behaviour?
Self-regulation of behaviour involves comparing yourself to a standard and adjusting behaviour to match the standard, or the ideal.
If the standard for behaviour is made salient, then those who are SELF-AWARE will apply themselves to meeting the standard.
The idea is that when the attitude is salient as a reference value, the person will act in closer conformity to it when self-focus is high than when it is low.
True or false: negative emotion is more likely to produce self-focus than positive emotion?
True. Negative emotion is more likely to produce self-focus than positive emotion.
Ways to increase self-focus?
When one has an audience
When writing a story about oneself
When making a decision
When physically or emotionally aroused
When thinking about a standard
Ways to decrease self-focus?
When in a crowd
When involved in a story line
How does the behaviour of others provide feedback for self-regulation?
Feedback involves monitoring the behaviour of others.
Those high on social anxiety are more likely to interpret the reaction of another as rejection.
Those high on aggression are more likely to interpret the reaction of another as hostile.
Et cetera.
What is self-regulation?
Self-regulation is any effort by a person to alter his or her responses and everyone has this innate capacity.
