Self Concept

Question 1

Definition of the Self Concept

Answer 1

A cognitive representation of the knowledge and beliefs we have about ourselves (personality traits, abilities, social roles, values, goals and desired and physical characteristics)

Question 2

Definition of an associative network

Answer 2

Knowledge is organized as a metaphorical network of cognitive concepts interconnected by links
- some concepts are more central
- links between concepts vary in strength

Question 3

Definition Unitary Self Concept

Answer 3

Self concept implies a unitary, fixed and integrated ideal about the self
- people have lots of ideas about themselves sometimes contradict with each other

Question 4

Definition of the working self concept

Answer 4

the subset of self knowledge that is in current focus of awareness

Question 5

Self Concept

Answer 5

Entirety of our self knowledge

Question 6

Is the working self concept created moment to moment?

Answer 6

Yes

Question 7

Contents of the Working Self Concept - Situational Activation

Answer 7

Different situations can activate different pieces of self knowledge which creates different working self concepts

Question 8

Spreading Activation - Linking

Answer 8

when specific self aspect is activated, the other self aspects that are linked with it are also activated

Question 9

True or False: Self aspects that are strongly linked will be activated more quickly

Answer 9

True

Question 10

Contents of the Working Self Concept

Answer 10

self knowledge that is most accessible/salient in the moment

Question 11

Accessibility of self knowledge is determined by: Distinctive

Answer 11

Distinctive to the situation

Question 12

Distinctiveness Theory

Answer 12

A persons unique, distinct characteristics are more salient to them than characteristics that they have in common with others

Question 13

True or False: Distinctive characteristics are more valuable in distinguishing yourself from others

Answer 13

True

Question 14

Distinctiveness Theory: 6th Grade Study Results

Answer 14

Students with distinct features = mentioned them more that typical features

Question 15

Distinctiveness Theory: 6th Grade Study Results of situational context

Answer 15

Situational context influences what spontaneously comes to mind when describing the self

Question 16

Accessibility of self knowledge is determined by: Relevance

Answer 16

Relevant to the situation/activity

Question 17

Accessibility of self knowledge is determined by: Frequency

Answer 17

Frequency of activation (important self aspects + those that we engage in often)

Question 18

Implication of the Working Self Concept: Is the self concept malleable and highly dependent on the context?

Answer 18

Yes, we have different versions of ourself

Question 19

Can non-central self aspects enter the working self concept?

Answer 19

Yes

Question 20

Does the working self concept allow for contradictory self aspects to exist at the same time?

Answer 20

Yes, but they are not activated in the same situation

Question 21

Does the working self concept influence how we behave? What does this explain?

Answer 21

Yes, it explains why we behave differently in different situations

Question 22

Working Self Concept and Behaviour - Extraversion and Introversion Study Results (Extroverted Condition)

Answer 22

1) Described themselves as more extroverted
2) Acted more extroverted in subsequent situation
3) spoke longer to confederate
4) sat closer to confederate
5) rated by confederate and judges as more extroverted

Question 23

Working Self Concept and Behaviour - Extraversion and Introversion Study - What do the results show?

Answer 23

Working self concept depends on situational activation and it influences behaviour

Question 24

True Self: Theory 1 - Natural Endowment

Answer 24

Already born with a true self

Question 25

True Self: Theory 2 - Feels authentic

Answer 25

Actions = consistent with internal states that are subjectively experienced as one's own

Question 26

True Self: Theory 3 - People naturally want to be true to themselves

Answer 26

Living in accordance with true self leads to satisfying and fulfilling life

Question 27

True Self: Theory 4 - Competes with external influences

Answer 27

Reason why its difficult to be in tune with true self and follow it

Question 28

True Self + Important Decision Making Study Results

Answer 28

People believe that following one's tru self is an important strategy for making satisfying decisions

Question 29

True Self + Decision Making

Answer 29

Ease + decision satisfaction for true self condition, but NOT in actual self condition (difficulties accessing true self related to less satisfaction with decisions)

Question 30

True Self - Implications: Does the idea of a true self resonates with people?

Answer 30

Yes

Question 31

Problem 1: Natural Endowment

Answer 31

Not a provable idea - this suggests that babies are born with specific destiny/motivations for adult life which seems unlikely

Question 32

Problem 2: Self Beliefs are Inaccurate

Answer 32

Idea of true self requires people to have accurate self knowledge about what their true self is like - lots of research suggests that are self concepts are full of inaccuracies

Question 33

Problem 3: True Self = What is "Good"

Answer 33

True self seems to be about social desirability rather than acting in line with unique characteristics

Question 34

In diary study, people report feeling most authentic when...

Answer 34

accepting external influence when making personal decisions

Question 35

Authenticity and Big 5 Study Results

Answer 35

Authenticity = associated with acting extroverted, agreeable, conscientious and emotionally stable, regardless of the participants traits

Question 36

When do people feel most authentic?

Answer 36

when behaving in socially desirable ways rather than in ways consistent with their personality

Question 37

People assume that others are being their true self when they are

Answer 37

behaving in morally good ways

Question 38

True Self as Desired Reputation - The true self is more of

Answer 38

The true self is more of a guide than a relaity

Question 39

Definition of Desired Reputation

Answer 39

what is valued by society + distinctive role one's own abilities and traits are best suited to actual self

Question 40

People will feel most authentic when?

Answer 40

when actions are consistent with desired reputation (slightly different with different people)