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2720 - Social Psychology > The Social Self (2) > Flashcards

The Social Self (2) Flashcards

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1
Q

________ is a mental apparatus allows people to think consciously about themselves

A

the self

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2
Q

_____-_________ - the awareness of one’s own cognitive processes and mental states.

A

Meta-awareness - the awareness of one’s own cognitive processes and mental states.

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3
Q

meta awareness simply is is being ________ of your own ________

A

being aware of your own awareness.

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4
Q

Meta-awareness

unique to __________

explain

A

Unique to humans

Only animals with the self can think deliberately about themselves, purposefully controlling their own behaviour with a conscious goal, talk to themselves

An animal cannot think about feeling and behaving

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5
Q

Where is the sense of self?

A

the egocenter

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6
Q

define the egocenter

A

our constant presence inside the head

As if the body is just a vehicle carrying around our mental entity

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7
Q

what problem do we run into with the egocenter

A

leads to infinite regress

No ultimate or foundational explanation, leading to an endless chain of explanations or causes.

Is there a little person inside our heads that makes our decisions? Does he have a little person inside his head? (so on and so on)

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8
Q

what is the self concept

A

mental representation of one’s attributes and other pieces of knowledge

Only a small part can be present at a given time

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9
Q

what is Spontaneous self-concept

A

the collection of aspects of identity what are available to awareness at a given point in time

immediate and automatic way in which individuals perceive and define themselves in response to various situational cues or triggers.

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10
Q

give an example of spontaneous self conept when travelling abroad

A

Eg. one’s canadian identity comes out when in a foreign country

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11
Q

spontenous self-concept involves how individuals perceive themselves without ________deliberation or ________

A

involves how individuals perceive themselves without conscious deliberation or introspection

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12
Q

In ______ _______ theroy the current self compared with

1 - the “_____” self - who we aspire to be - to determine self regulation to achieve a certain goal

2 - “______” self - who we think we should be (based on obligations)

3- the “______” self - who we do not wish to be

A

self discrepancy theory

1 - the “ideal” self - who we aspire to be - to determine self regulation to achieve a certain goal

2 - “ought” self - who we think we should be (based on obligations)

3- undesired self - who we do not wish to be

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13
Q

How is the self concept formed?

(2 ways)

A

1 - the looking glass self
2 -social comparisons

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14
Q

coined by _______ the looking glass self holds that the self-concept is a ________ of how ______ ____ _____

A

coined by cooley the looking glass self holds that the self-concept is a reflection of how others see us

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15
Q

what are some problems with forming our self concet thought the looking glass self

A

People don’t always give honest feedback, can’t always tell what they’re thinking

selective attention to feedback - We are selective of what information we take from others based on our own bias of them

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16
Q

we also form our self concept through social comparisons

define

A

The process of judging ourselves relative to others to assess our own attitudes and abilities

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17
Q

how do you “accurately” make a social comparison

A

we compare ourselves to similar others to get a more accurate judgement of ourselves

Eg. wouldn’t compare my score on a test to the professors

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18
Q

define

Upward social comparison

A

comparison yourself to someone that is better than you

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19
Q

define

Downward social comparison

A

involves comparing yourself to someone who’s worse off than you are

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20
Q

pros and cons of Upward social comparison

A

Useful to motivate improvement ( but only if improvement is possible)

Can lead to anger/resentment (relative deprivation)when we feel we deserve better
Eg - gender wage gap

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21
Q

Experiment: Upward social comparison

1st and 4th year accounting student P’s

Some p’s assigned to read about a superstar fourth-year accounting student, others not exposed to superstar

Asked to rate themselves on traits surrounding career success

what were the independent and dependent variables

A

Independent Variable: exposed or not exposed to academic superstar

Dependent Variable: Self-Ratings on Traits Surrounding Career Success.

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22
Q

Experiment: Upward social comparison

results?

A

first year students rated themselves higher than the 4th year students who (all read about superstar)

bc the first years improvement is still possible

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23
Q

_________ social comparison usually makes you feel better about yourself

A

downward

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24
Q

_________ - the process of looking inward and examining one’s thoughts, feeling and motives

A

introspection

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25
what is the problem with introspection
we know what we feel but often are unaware of underlying reasons for why we feel that way
26
Experiment: Introspection P’s asked to journal their moods and what affected it Results?
P’s often wrong about what factors predicted their mood P's sometimes attributed lack of sleep to a bad mood, even when they had slept fine
27
Experiment: canadian individualism vs chinese collectivism Experiment was conducted and classified people into 2 categories what were they?
Non-social completions - eg. extroverted, funny Social completions - eg. religion, ethnicity
28
Experiment: canadian individualism vs chinese collectivism variables?
Independent variable - whether P's were Canadian (individualistic cutlure) or Chinese (collectivistic culture) Dependent Variable - type of completion (either non-social or social completion)
29
Experiment: canadian individualism vs chinese collectivism results?
Canadians more individualistic - chose more non-social completions, Chinese individuals are more communal and chose more social comparison that reflect more how we interact with others
30
Individualistic cultures - Focus on _______ Collectivistic cultures - Focus on ______
Individualistic cultures - Focus on uniqueness Collectivistic cultures - Focus on conformity
31
individualistic cultures: will thrive if their _______ _______ are prioritised The self is seen as __________ from others, and seen as having more _________ over their own future
will thrive if their individuals goals are prioritised The self is seen as autonomous from others, and seen as having more control over their own future
32
Collectivistic cultures: Emphasises connections between self and _______ others People develop an __________ sense of self The self is seen as ________ _______ to other people
Emphasises connections between self and important others People develop an interdependent sense of self The self is seen as inherently connected to other people
33
Experiment: Michigan fish task (individualistism and collectivism in perception) P's (Americans and Japanese) had to look at pic of fishes on screen and describe it results?
Americans more likely to describe the three larger fish, as if they were main characters Japanese participants described the relationships between fish and their environment
34
Westerners see the world ________, relating to their _________ Easterners see the world more _______ relating to their _________
Westerners see the world analytically (independence) Easterners see the world more holistically (interdependence)
35
How do Westerners and Easterners differ in their perception of the world's nature and stability?
Westerners tend to see the world analytically, perceiving nature as stable Easterners view the world more holistically, where nature is seen as constantly in flux.
36
How do Westerners and Easterners approach the concept contradictory truths?
Westerners believe contradictory truths cannot both be true Easterners accept that contradictory truths or interconnections can coexist.
37
What is the core difference in how Westerners and Easterners perceive the potential for personal change?
Easterners believe that people are more capable of change Westerners often view people as less capable of change
38
Explain the concept of Yin and Yang, and how it reflects the Eastern worldview.
when yin reaches its extreme it become yang when yang reaches its extreme it becomes yin
39
Experiment: interdependence vs independence in children (puzzles) P’s were school-age children either of asian-american or euro-american descent Task- unscramble word puzzle explain the 3 conditions applied to groups (dependent variables) and the depdendent variable
IndepVar= Condition/Group assigned Group 1 - children choose their own topic Group 2 - researcher will chose the topic Group 3 - told that mom chose the topic DepVar = speed and number of puzzles solved
40
Experiment: interdependence vs independence in children (puzzles) results?
The euro-american children did better on the topics they chose themselves Asian-american children performed best when their mom chose the puzzle (Interdependent cultured children accept that their parents know best)
41
Experiment: content in ads (interdependence vs independence) Archival reaearch by Kim and Karkus looked at content/themes in ads results? examples of each
American ads tended to be built around themes of individuality, uniqueness, freedom, choice Eg. have it your way (harveys), just do it (nike) Korean ads stressed themes of relating, fitting in Eg - ad of korean university claimed their goal was working toward harmonious society
42
Experiment: olympics in australia vs japan (interdependence vs independence) Archival reaearch by Markus looked at content/themes in Olympic media coverage results?
Japanese focused on effect, expectation of important others Eg: Winner talked about their coaches and teams that helped them win their medals American athletes focused on their own characteristics Eg: “My stroke game goes crazy”
43
interdependence vs independence: Although we may have a strong tendency toward either style, we all use both styles How can we summon each?
Independence: Speak up Think about how you are diff than others Consider each action a choice Interdependence: Listen Think about how you’re similar to others Consider how each action affects others
44
interdependence vs independence: how was this examplified during covid in Western vs Eastern attitudes towards getting vaccinated
western cultures were more reluctant to take the vaccine because of their independent tendencies VS eastern cultures were more okay with taking it for the better of the community
45
_____-_______ - people’s judgements of their own worthiness (how we feel about ourselves)
Self-esteem
46
differentiate between trait and state self esteem
Trait self-esteem - the way people generally feel about themselves State self-esteem - momentary feeling about the self affected more by context and state of current(ish) events
47
If someone feels particularly confident and positive about their abilities and self-worth after receiving a promotion at work, which type of self-esteem is this an example of?
State self-esteem
48
A student who temporarily feels insecure and anxious before a difficult exam but generally possesses high self-esteem would be experiencing which type of self-esteem in that moment?
State self-esteem.
49
Consider an individual who consistently maintains a positive self-worth over an extended period regardless of specific situations or achievements, what type of self-esteem characterizes this person?
Trait self-esteem.
50
Why do we have self-esteem? (2 theories, explain each briefly)
Sociomeyer theory - Self esteem is a sociometer Terror management theory - Self-esteem protects people from existential dread
51
explain sociometer theory of why we have self esteem
self sesteem is a sociometer that monitors the linelihood of social exclusion - Human have a need to belong used as an internal monitor of social acceptance (high self-esteem) or rejection (low self-esteem)
52
explain terror management theory of why we have self esteem
Self-esteem protects people from the terror associated with knowing they they will eventually die by conforming, We feel high self esteem when we do things that our culture values
53
Most, not all, people in western cultures have _______ self-esteem why?
high/positive Derives from: Personal experience Reflected appraisals by others Relationships Social comparison, group comparison
54
Compared to people with low self esteem, people with high self esteem typically: Expect to _______ Show high _____-__________ Are ______ Have greater satisfaction with their __________ __________
Expect to succeed Show high self-enhancement Are happier Have greater satisfaction with their personal relationships
55
what are the two varieties of high self-esteem
Secure self-esteem - confidently hold positive self views Defensive self esteem (narcissism) - hold positive self views that are fragile and vulnerable to threat
56
what characterizes defensive self esteem
React in hostile fashions when faced with challenges to their self views Arrogantly think they are better than everyone else, when their ego is threatened they lash out
57
Experiment: Defensive Self-esteem + threat = aggression P's wrotes essays and got feedback from other P's They manipulated feedback, gave them bad feedback did a competitive reaction time task (same person who gave them feedback) and told to press a button as fast as possible Whoever is slower receives a blast of noise - Told they can set the intensity of the noise results?
the participants who had high defensive self esteem that had been insulted showed the most aggressive responses to their partner during the blast of noise part of the test
58
what are some biases in self appraisal (3)
Self serving bias Better-than-average effect Unrealistic optimism
59
define self-serving bias
The tendency to attribute one's successes to personal factors and failures to situational factors
60
in soccer, give an example of a self-serving bias
Eg. every soccer player ever blaming the ref for their mistake
61
Experiment: married couples study Had married couples assess their own and their partners contributions to variety of activities results?
Both members of couples showed egocentric biases (self-serving biases) Most of their reports (percentage of work they do) combined equaled more than 100%
62
_____-______ a type of self serving bias where we judge out past self, to foster esteem for our current self
self-enhancement
63
give an example of self-enhancement
When we see an old pic we might judge our old hairstyle without realising we are currently living in what will be ugly 20 years from now
64
Experiment: Self-enhancement (Wilson and ross) P's rated their current self at the beginning of the year on traits like socially skilled, self confident, satisfied with life, narrow minded, immature etc Came back later in school year and asked to guess how they had rated themselves the first time they did the test results?
Their current self views had declined slightly They thought they had rated themselves lower Demonstrated that we think we're improving even when we are not
65
define the Better-than-average effect
we assume we are above average at most things
66
the Better-than-average effect is strongest when asked about ______ ______ what others are strong?
Strongest found when asked about social skills eg. Uni experiment found that 100% of student thought they were above average in social skills Also applies strongly with driving, humour, intelligent, attractive, etc
67
why dont most people realise they are biased during the better than average effect? explain
Biassed blind spot - tendency to think that bias is a mistake made more commonly by other than ourselves
68
Experiment: Donations (Biassed blind spot) (Epley and Dunning) Participants given $5 and estimated how much they would given to a charity if given opportunity results? what does this suggest?
Self judgement was $2.44, the actual average donated when given the chance was $1,83 (just know it was lower) Suggests that we have an inflated view of our self and are overcritical of others
69
what is Unrealistic optimism as a bias in self appraisal
belief that we are more likely to receive positive outcomes than negative
70
overestimating likelihood of relationship when over 50% fail is unrealistic optimism specifically, we have the ______ of _______
illusions of control
71
define the illusion of control
the belief that one has control over uncontrollable events
72
Experiment: lottery study (illusion of control) (langer) Condition 1 - p’s given lottery ticket Condition 2 - p’s chose lottery ticket Later given opportunity to sell back ticket results? variables?
independent variable - condition pf being given or choosing the ticket dependent - price of ticket More likely to sell for higher price if they chose it themselves
73
the false consensus effect is a type of ________ ________ and as a bias in self-apprasial define it
the false consensus effect is a type of unrealistic optimism we assume that other people share our attitudes, beliefs, and interests to a greater extent than is actually the cas
74
Experiment: False consensus effect (ross) Participants asked if they wear sandwich board for 30 minutes results?
Those who agreed estimated that 62% would also agree to do it Those who disagreed estimated that 67% would also disagree overall, we assume other would agree with our decision to wear or not ot wear sandwich board
75
why is it beneficial ot be a bit biassed? when does it become a problem?
Overall beneficial to be a bit biassed (maintaining self esteem, optimism), but biases can be a problem if they blind us from our weaknesses (can lead to risky behaviour)
76
in self-regulation, one primary function of self is _______ ______- the ability to intentionally regulate thoughts feelings, and behaviour
executive agency
77
what are the 3 keys to achieving self-control
1 - Self-awareness 2 - Transcending the immediate situation 3 - Self control strength
78
define step 1 of achieving self-control
self awareness - deliberate monitoring of what we are doing When self-ware, we are more likely to behave in accordance with our personal attitudes, values and goals - Less likely to behave impulsively
79
What are factors that increase self-awareness
anything that focuses ones attention inward on oneself (self-conscious) Eg, seeing self in mirror, wearing name tags
80
Experiment: halloween + self-awareness (diener) Set up research stations in 27 homes in halloween where children could only take one candy what were the variables? results?
IndVar 1 - alone or group IndVar 2 - asked names vs not asked DepVar - amount of candy taken The children in groups and those not asked their names were more likely to take extra candy
81
define step 2 of achieving self-control
Transcending the immediate situation The lure of immediate gratification often override that of larger future rewards or the pain of negative consequences if we can transcend it, we are more likely to control ourselves
82
define step 3 of achieving self-control
Self control strength - must have adequate will power Can turn strong temptations into mild ones via “cooling operation” Keep temptations at arms length
83
explain “Easier to resist the forbidden fruit if you stay away from the tree”
Keep temptations at arms length will help with self control stregth
84
Self control strength can be aided by turning strong temptations into mild ones via “cooling operation” explain what a cooling operation is
a way to "cool down" emotionally and mentally to make more rational and controlled decisions
85
give an example of a cooling operation
picturing the marchmellow as a cotton ball to get portray is as a non-satisfying thing or taking a deep breath before responding to someone in a heated argument
86
what are some factors that deplete ego-strength (self control)
Physical and mental fatigue eg. Wanting study less and less throughout the day Previous acts of deliberate self-regulation eg. Failed in the past
87
______ ______ refers to our strong motivation to make favourable impressions on others
self-presentation
88
Strategic self-presentation define it + example plz
strategies people use to shape what others think of them Eg. taking down party pics from insta when you’re applying for a job
89
what are the 2 main types of strategic self-presentation explain each
1 - Self-promotion Goal: gain respect and look competent 2 - Ingratiation Goal: to be liked by others
90
give an example of the 2 main types of strategic self-presentation
1 - Self-promotion Student impressing teachers with knowledge 2 - Ingratiation Eg. trying to impress your boyfriends parents
91
_____-_______ is the tendency to seek or create barriers to successful performance so that a convenient excuse for failure exists this is as type of _______ ____-_______
Self-handicapping - the tendency to seek or create barriers to successful performance so that a convenient excuse for failure exists this is as type of Strategic self-presentation
92
Self-presentation - people tend to present themselves in best presentation within the range of what is plausible this can sometimes lead to unhealthy behaviours examples?
Eating disorders drug abuse, tanning, unprotected sex, or anything you do to fit in expecislly so when the goal is not plausible

2720 - Social Psychology (11 decks)

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