Social Topic 1 Flashcards
Social Psychology
The scientific study of how individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. (Allport, 1954)
Self-Schema
Beliefs people hold about themselves that shape their self-concept
Self-Concept
The overall perception individuals have of themselves, influenced by experiences and social interactions.
Components of the Self-Concept
- Actual self: Who you believe you are now.
- Ideal self: Who you aspire to be.
- Ought self: Who you think you should be.
Self-Discrepancy Theory (Higgins, 1980s)
Idea: Emotional discomfort arises when there is a mismatch between the actual self, ideal self, and ought self.
Effects of the Self-Discrepancy Theory
- Actual vs. Ideal = Sadness, disappointment.
- Actual vs. Ought = Guilt, anxiety.
Possible Selves
- Definition: Future-oriented versions of the self that guide motivation and behavior.
- Types:
- Ideal selves: Who we want to become.
- Feared selves: Who we don’t want to become.
Self-Awareness
- The ability to reflect on one’s own emotions, thoughts, and behaviours.
- Develops in early childhood.
Social Comparison Theory (Festinger, 1954)
People evaluate themselves by comparing to others.
Types of Social Comparison
- Upward: Comparing to someone better → motivation or discouragement.
- Downward: Comparing to someone worse → self-esteem boost.
- Temporal: Comparing to past or future versions of oneself.
Self-Perception Theory (Bem, 1972)
People infer their attitudes by observing their own behavior.
Multiple Role Theory
Holding multiple social roles (e.g., student, sibling, employee) can benefit well-being but may cause stress.
Pros and Cons of Multiple Role theory
Pros: Increased self-growth and social interaction.
Cons: Role strain and conflicts.
Impression Management
The conscious or unconscious process of controlling how others perceive us.
Key strategies of Impression Management
- Ingratiation: Seeking to be liked (flattery).
- Self-Promotion: Highlighting one’s strengths.
- Exemplification: Demonstrating moral superiority.
- Supplication: Appearing needy for sympathy.
- Intimidation: Using authority or assertiveness.
Self-Presentation
The active effort to shape how others see us, often aligning with social expectations.
Self-Recognition Test (Mirror Test)
A test of self-awareness where an infant or animal is marked with a red spot and placed in front of a mirror.
- Findings:
- Infants younger than 9–12 months do not recognize themselves.
- Older infants & some animals (chimps, dolphins) show self-recognition.
The Role of Mirrors in Self-Awareness (Beamer et al., 1979)
- People are less likely to cheat or steal when a mirror is present.
- Mirrors increase self-awareness and ethical behavior.
Self-Esteem
A person’s overall evaluation of their self-worth.
- Influences: Social comparison, feedback from others, personal achievements.
The Four Motivations in Social Cognition
- Need for Accuracy: Seeking reliable information to make informed decisions.
- Need for Self-Enhancement: Maintaining a positive self-image.
- Need for Belonging: Conforming to social norms for acceptance.
- Need for Control: Feeling in control of one’s life reduces anxiety.
Positive Effects of how Social Media Affects Self-Concept
- Identity exploration.
- Connecting with like-minded communities.
Negative Effects of how Social Media Affects Self-Concept
- Increased upward social comparison.
- Self-discrepancy (ideal vs. actual self).
- Impression management pressures.
Ethical Behavior & Self-Awareness
- Studies show:
- People in rooms with mirrors are less likely to cheat.
- Hearing one’s own voice recording increases moral behavior.
Exemplification in Impression Management
Presenting oneself as morally superior to gain admiration.
Role Strain vs. Role Conflict
- Role Strain: Stress from fulfilling the demands of one role.
- Role Conflict: Stress from competing demands of multiple roles.
Self-Enhancement Bias
The tendency to view oneself more positively than is objectively justified.
The Relationship Between Self-Schemas & Behavior
- Strong self-schemas → More consistent behavior.
- Weak or changing self-schemas → More adaptable behavior.
