Psych 150: 14.3 Social-Cognitive Theories and the Self

How do social-cognitive theorists view personality development, and how do they explore behavior?

Albert Bandura first proposed the social-cognitive perspective, which emphasizes the interaction of our traits with our situations. Social-cognitive researchers apply principles of learning, cognition, and social behavior to personality. Reciprocal determinism is a term describing the interaction and mutual influence of behavior, internal personal factors, and environmental factors.

What criticisms have social-cognitive theorists faced?

Social-cognitive theorists build on well-established concepts of learning and cognition. They tend to believe that the best way to predict someone's behavior in a given situation is to observe that person's behavior in similar situations. They have been faulted for underemphasizing the importance of unconscious motives, emotions, and biologically influenced traits.

self-serving bias

a readiness to perceive oneself favorably.

Which of the following is NOT a psychological influence on the biopsychosocial approach to the study of personality? a. childhood experiences b. unconscious thought processes c. learned responses d. genetic temperament

a. childhood experiences

Which of the following is NOT a social-cultural influence on the biopsychosocial approach to the study of personality? a. childhood experiences b. learned responses c. influences of the situation d. cultural expectations

b. learned responses

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. However, in truth, Harold created the situation to which he was reacting. This is an example of: a. linguistic determinism. b. reciprocal determinism. c. attributional style. d. belief perseverance.

b. reciprocal determinism.

People are more likely to perceive themselves favorably. This is known as: a. the spotlight effect. b. reciprocal determinism. c. a self-serving bias. d. the self-reference effect.

c. a self-serving bias.

Reciprocal determinism is associated with the _____ perspective. a. trait b. psychoanalytic c. social-cognitive d. humanistic

c. social-cognitive

There is evidence that behavior is the result of the interplay between external and internal influences, and that behavior is the product of biology, social experience, and unconscious thought processes. This evidence suggests that personality should be studied from a _____ approach. a. psychoanalytic b. developmental c. deterministic d. biopsychosocial

d. biopsychosocial

Jung, Adler, and Horney are the key proponents to which personality theory? a. psychoanalytic b. humanistic c. social-cognitive d. psychodynamic

d. psychodynamic

This theoretical perspective emphasizes the importance of mental processes in personality development. a. trait b. psychodynamic c. humanistic d. social-cognitive

d. social-cognitive

______________ (Secure/Defensive) self-esteem correlates with aggressive and antisocial behavior. ______________ (Secure/Defensive) self-esteem is a healthier self-image that allows us to focus beyond ourselves and enjoy a higher quality of life.

Defensive; Secure

What is the best way to predict a person's future behavior?

Examine the person's past behavior patterns in similar situations.

How do excessive optimism, blindness to one's own incompetence, and self-serving bias reveal the costs of self-esteem, and how do defensive and secure self-esteem differ?

Excessive optimism can lead to complacency and prevent us from seeing real risks, while blindness to one's own incompetence may lead us to make the same mistakes repeatedly. Self-serving bias is our tendency to perceive ourselves favorably, as when viewing ourselves as better than average or when accepting credit for our successes but not blame for our failures. Narcissism is excessive self-love and self-absorption. Defensive self-esteem is fragile, focuses on sustaining itself, and views failure or criticism as a threat. Secure self-esteem enables us to feel accepted for who we are.

hat are the positive and negative effects of high self-esteem?

People who feel confident in their abilities are often happier, have greater motivation, and are less susceptible to depression. Excessive optimism and very high self-esteem can lead to blindness to one's own incompetence, self-serving bias, and narcissism.

Why has psychology generated so much research on the self? How important is self-esteem to psychology and to human well-being?

The self is the center of personality, organizing our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Considering possible selves helps motivate us toward positive development, but focusing too intensely on ourselves can lead to the spotlight effect. Self-esteem is our feeling of self-worth; self-efficacy is our sense of competence on a task. High self-esteem correlates with less pressure to conform, with persistence at difficult tasks, and with happiness. But the direction of the correlation is not clear. Psychologists caution against unrealistically promoting children's feelings of self-worth. It's better to reward their achievements, which leads to feelings of competence.

Theresia is worried that she will flunk out of college. This is a _____ that she does not want to become. a. possible self b. internal personal factor c. self-concept d. personality trait

a. possible self

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: a. reciprocal determinism b. unconditional positive regard c. self-concept d. self-actualization

a. reciprocal determinism

The _____ perspective views behavior as influenced by the interaction between people's traits and their social context. a. social-cognitive b. psychoanalytic c. humanistic d. trait

a. social-cognitive

These theories build from research on learning and cognition. Please choose the correct answer from the following choices, and then select the submit answer button. a. social-cognitive b. psychodynamic c. humanistic d. trait

a. social-cognitive

Carolos is applying for a new job. They have asked for copies of his transcripts, a list of personal references, and letters of recommendations from his past employers. He also has to complete a face to face interview. Which of these is the best indicator of his potential performance at this new job? a. the recommendations from his past employers b. his list of personal references c. his transcripts d. the interview

a. the recommendations from his past employers

_____ self-esteem correlates with aggressive and antisocial behavior, while _____ self-esteem is a healthier self-image that allows people to focus beyond themselves and enjoy a higher quality of life. a. Positive; negative b. Defensive; secure c. Stable; unstable d. Secure; defensive

b. Defensive; secure

Tiffany has high self-esteem. Which of these qualities does she NOT have? a. She is less likely to conform. b. She is shy. c. She is less likely to be anxious. d. She is more persistent at difficult tasks.

b. She is shy.

Krista had a really hard day at work. She is feeling worthless and unlovable. She is overheard making disparaging comments about herself such as "No one likes me." Psychologists indicate that she might be doing this to: a. secure self-esteem. b. elicit reassuring comments. c. prepare for a possible failure. d. learn from her mistakes.

b. elicit reassuring comments.

narcissism

excessive self-love and self-absorption.

self

in contemporary psychology, assumed to be the center of personality, the organizer of our thoughts, feelings, and actions.

self-esteem

one's feelings of high or low self-worth.

self-efficacy

one's sense of competence and effectiveness.

spotlight effect

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

The tendency to accept responsibility for success and blame circumstances or bad luck for failures is called ______________ - ______________ __________

self-serving bias

Albert Bandura proposed the ______________ - ______________ perspective on personality, which emphasizes the interaction of people with their environment. To describe the interacting influences of behavior, thoughts, and environment, he used the term ______________ ______________.

social-cognitive; reciprocal determinism

reciprocal determinism

the interacting influences of behavior, internal cognition, and environment.

social-cognitive perspective

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