Self-perception Theory Flashcards
What does self-perception theory assume about people’s decisions?
- There is no motivational underpinning.
- Assumes that people are rational information processors.
- Assumes that people function rather cluelessly and give reasons for their decisions after they’ve made them for other unconscious reasons.
What is an example of the assumptions about self-perception theory?
People who chose a favourite stocking because of recency bias gave other reasons such as colour or texture when it was proven that couldn’t be it.
What are two things that self-perception theory explains?
Foot-in-the-door technique and the over-justification effect.
What is the foot-in-the-door technique?
Asking for a small request, and then they’re more likely to agree to a bigger request further down the road.
What is the over-justification effect?
The finding that if you reward someone for doing something that they already enjoy, and then reward them in such a way that the rewards are seen as controlling their behaviour, then the reward can undermine their intrinsic motivation and backfire.
What is self-determination theory?
Situations that are controlling vs. autonomous supportive lead to different types of motivation: extrinsic and intrinstic
What is extrinsic motivation?
Doing something because you have to; push motivation; involvement becomes less open, more rigid, and less creative.
What is intrinsic motivation?
Rewards are not perceived as being controlling, and one feels as thought their motivation is coming from within. Pull motivation (pulling you in for its own sake). Creativity and authentic expression flourish.
What are intrinsic sources of self-esteem?
Coming from within the self, such as living up to self-determined standards and being in relationships with people who accept you unconditionally.
what are extrinsic sources of self-esteem?
Perceived as coming from outside the self, such as living up to socially imposed standards and being in relationships with people who accept you conditionally.
What is “being in the zone” an example of?
Flow experience
What is involved in flow experience?
Loss of self-awareness, absorption in the task, low anxiety, seeing 4-5 steps ahead.
What causes flow experience?
The sweet spot when opportunity for challenge and personal skills and talents are just right.
