Psychology, Module 47 Social-Cognitive Theories and the Self

Trait Theory

A theory of personality that focuses on identifying, describing, and measuring individual differences in behavioral predispositions

psychoanalytic theory

Freud's theory that unconscious forces act as determinants of personality

psychodynamic theory

Freudian theory that unconscious forces determine behavior

When Sylvie noticed that she had spilled coffee on her new shirt, she overestimated the likelihood that other people at the meeting would notice. Sylvie's reaction BEST illustrates:

The spotlight effect

attributional style

The way a person typically explains the things that happen in his or her life

self-serving bias

a readiness to perceive oneself favorably

According to Bandura, reciprocal determinism involves multidirectional influences among behaviors and:

both internal personal factors and environmental events.

Researchers attempt to understand personality using biological, psychological, and social-cultural factors. Analysis at the psychological level is especially likely to emphasize the importance of:

expectations and interpretations

A person with very high self-esteem is likely to _____________ than a person with low self-esteem.

have fewer sleepless nights

Rebecca is applying to graduate school and has several items she must turn in with her application, including letters of recommendation, GRE scores, transcripts, and a personal statement. Which of these is likely the BEST indicator of her potential for success in graduate school?

her academic transcripts

Which of these is NOT a social-cultural influence in the biopsychosocial approach to the study of personality? influences of the situation cultural expectations childhood experiences learned responses

learned responses

Juan loves horseback riding. Which choice exemplifies a behavioral factor associated with horseback riding for Juan?

learning how to ride horses

spotlight effect

overestimating others' noticing and evaluating our appearance, performance, and blunders (as if we presume a spotlight shines on us)

Albert Bandura

pioneer in observational learning (AKA social learning), stated that people profit from the mistakes/successes of others; Studies: Bobo Dolls-adults demonstrated 'appropriate' play with dolls, children mimicked play

You imagine the self you want to be—a great athlete, well loved, and well educated. You also imagine the self you fear becoming—a homeless person, lonely, and unemployed. These visions reflect the concept of:

possible selves

Aerial's history of romantic relationships influences her attitudes toward romantic relationships, which changes how she now responds to her current boyfriend. This is an example of:

reciprocal determinism

Lately, Harold and Grant cannot get along. Harold often expects the worst of people, and yesterday he thought Grant was mad at him. As a result, Harold ignored Grant's phone calls and other attempts at conversation, angering Grant. But in truth, Harold created the situation to which he was reacting. This is an example of:

reciprocal determinism

Joshua's history of romantic relationships influences his attitudes toward romantic relationships, which changes how he now responds to his current girlfriend. This is an example of:

reciprocal determinism.

Katrina is a worrier. She worries about her family, her friends, and herself. She is particularly aware of potential hazards in the environment, and she sees the world as a dangerous place. Her personality is shaped by how she interprets and reacts to events. Bandura called this process:

reciprocal determinsim

James attributes his failing grade in chemistry to an unfair final exam. His attitude illustrates a(n) _____ bias.

self-serving

The _____ perspective involves reciprocal determinism.

social-cognitive

reciprocal determinism

the interacting influences of behavior, internal cognition, and environment

People overestimate the degree to which others are noticing and evaluating their appearance, performance, and blunders. Gilovich termed this:

the spotlight effect

Jennifer's 5-year-old niece loves to pretend she is a scientist. She also enjoys pretending she is a horse trainer. These pretend games allow children to:

try out many possible selves.

Humanistic Theory

view personality with a focus on the potential for healthy personal growth

social-cognitive perspective

views behavior as influenced by the interaction between people's traits (including their thinking) and their social context.

social-cognitive theory

referring to the use of cognitive processes in relation to understanding the social world

In Western psychology, the _____ is thought to be the organizer of our thoughts, feelings, and actions, as well as the pivotal center of personality.

self