Topic 4 (lecture 1, development of sense of self)

Question 1

What are Neissers five different types of sense of self?

Answer 1

1. Ecological self (infancy)
   - sense of where we are as we move through the physical environment
   - it is an automatic process which emerges after birth
2. Interpersonal self (infancy)
   - sense of “i” Vs “You” in social interactions
   - Not unique to humans
   - emerges shortly after birth
3. Extended self
   - Aware of autobiographic timeline: connection between past present and future self
   - from around age 4
4. Private self
   - understanding that we have thoughts and perspectives that no one else has
   - from around age 4
5. Conceptual self
   - sense of place in a wider sociocultural context
   - from age 4-5, major growth in middle childhood and beyond

Question 2

what does Neisser believe the sense of self is based on?

Answer 2

• he does not believe that sense of self is based on a single insight
• he argues that is a gradual developmental process over time if different senses of self, which together contribute to higher order self concept

Question 3

Describe the Mirror test

Answer 3

• a child or animal is placed in front of a mirror
• red makeup is placed on the individuals face
• if they can succesfully locate where that mark is on their own face then they can recognise themself in the mirror

Question 4

At what age do children pass the mirror test?

Answer 4

• most children pass the mirror test by around 2 years, some as early as 18 months

Question 5

what was khoda (2019) et als study about the mirror test and animals?

Answer 5

• argued that fish can pass the mirror test