Social Psych Chapter 3

Physiological responses in experiencing emotion

(Two-factor theory) The response cannot be too intense. Other people must be present as a possible explanation for arousal before it's onset

Self-esteem depends on:

- The amount of discrepancy - The importance of the discrepancy to the self - The extent to which one focuses on the discrepancy

Two-Factor Theory

1. Physical arousal 2. A cognitive interpretation that explains the source of arousal These two happen quickly and automatically.

Looking Glass Self

A person's self grows out of society's interpersonal interactions and the perceptions of others. Self-concept is based on what many people think of me, not what I think of myself

Self-esteem

Affective component of self, consisting of a person's positive and negative self-evaluations

Self-recognition

An important first step in developing a self-concept

Self-handicapping

Behaviors designed to sabotage one's own performance in order to provide an excuse for failure

Wilson 2002

Believed that introspection could sometimes impair self-knowledge.

Daryl Bem

Came up with Self-perception theory because he believed people can learn about themselves just by watching their own behavior

Facial Feedback Hypothesis

Changes in facial expression can lead to changes in subjective experience of emotion. Ex: Smiling every morning will put you in a good mood.

Taylor and Brown (1988) suggest that people are more likely to have realistic views of themselves when they are

Depressed

Self-Promotion

Desire to "get ahead" and gain respect for one's competence and gain power.

Ingratiation

Desire to "get along" with others and be liked Conformity

Self-Verification

Desire to have others perceive us as we truly perceive ourselves. This desire will sometimes overwhelm the need for self-enhancement. This is when you do not present an image. You show who you really are.

Perceptions of Emotion

Facial feedback hypothesis and Laird

According to the looking-glass model of self-concept development, the self-concept develops:

From the way one is viewed by others

Multifaceted Self

Historically, the self has been viewed as an enduring aspect of personality - stable over time and slow to change. Molded by life experiences Self-esteem=largely situational Who you are is based on autobiographical memories

Implicit Egotism

Holding ourselves in high regard (part of self-enhancement)

Cognitions

How do we come to know ourselves, develop a self-concept, and maintain a stable sense of identity? Thoughts, memories, inner processes

Self-enhancement

How do we cope with our inadequacies? 1. Self-serving cognitions 2. Self-handicapping 3. Basking in the glory of others 4. Downward social comparison

Affect

How do we evaluate ourselves, enhance our self-images, and defend against threats to our SELF-ESTEEM?

Behavior

How do we regulate our actions and present ourselves according to interpersonal demands? Influences what other people think of us

Perceptions of motivation

Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Overjustification Effect

Low self-monitors

More concerned with self-verification They do not think about how they are acting/saying (Dad)

Overjustification Effect

Occurs when an external incentive (such as money or prizes) decreases a person's intrinsic motivation to perform a task. EX: Gold star for kids

Extrinsic Motivation

Originates in factors outside a person

Intrinsic Motivation

Originates in factors within a person EX: people who work in art

Self-serving cognitions

People tend to take credit for success and distance themselves from failure. Unrealistic Optimism

Laird (1974)

Said that facial expressions affect emotion through the process of self-perception of behavior. Alternative explanation: Facial movements evoke physiological changes that produce an emotional experience

Introspection

Self-knowledge through looking inward at one's own thoughts and feelings. Wilson 2002 said that this can sometimes impair self-knowledge

Supriya considers it more important for her new boss to value her skills than to like her. The self-presentational strategy she is most likely to use is

Self-promotion

Influences of Other People

Self=relative Social Comparison theory Upward vs downward

High Self-monitors

Sensitive to strategic self-presentation concerns. Always engaging in self-promotion/presentation (Laurie)

According to social comparison theory, people are most likely to compare themselves to others who are

Similar

Ironic Processes

Sometimes the harder we try to inhibit a thought, feeling, or behavior, the less likely we are to succeed. Ex: Don't think of a pink elephant.

Self-Monitoring

Tendency to regulate one's behavior to meet the demands of the situation

Self-regulation

The process by which we seek to control or alter our thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and urges

Self Concept

The sum-total of an individual's beliefs about his or her own personal attributes

Cocktail Party effect

The tendency f people to pick a personally relevant stimulus, like a name, out of a complex and noisy environment

Autobiographical Memories

These are essential for a coherent self-concept. Suffer from recency bias and flashbulb memories

Leary & Baumeister, 2000

They found that you have a primitive need to connect and gain others approval

People enhance their self-esteem in all of the following ways except

Upward Social Comparison

Self-Awareness Theory

We are not usually self-focused; however, certain situations may make us the objects of our own attention

Self-Awareness theory

We are not usually self-focused; however, certain situations may make us the objects of our own attention. (may make you focus more). Shape up vs. ship out

Unrealistic Optimism

We bolster rosy outlooks by linking personal attributes to desirable outcomes EX: Graduation=best day of your life

Upward Social Comparison

We compare ourselves to those who are better than us. Might negatively influence our self-esteem

Downward Social Comparison

We compare ourselves to those who are lower than us. Positively influences our self-esteem. Not necessaril genuine and long-lasting. Temporal comparisons

Self-Perception

When internal cues are difficult to interpret, people gain insight by observing their own behavior. Only occurs in the absence of compelling situational pressures (when you are in doubt of something) Daryl Bem

Social Comparison Theory

When uncertain about our abilities or opinions, we evaluate ourselves through comparisons with similar others (Festinger, 1954) Downward and upward

Connection between self awareness and self esteem

When we become self-aware, we begin to compare ourselves to some standard -often resulting in a negative discrepancy and a short reduction in self-esteem

Can others influence our emotions?

Yes. Misery loves miserable company (Schachter)

Sandbagging

lowering expectations or openly predicting failure. EX: downplaying Clinton's lead and say it's goin to be a close election