Chapter 3: The Social Self

Part 1: Sept. 8, 2010

Self-Concept• Beliefs we have about ourselves– Self-schemas are part of this:

– Recognize images of ourselves betw 18-24 mos. – Next, social factors influence self-concept

• 5 main sources of forming the self-concept:– Introspection, perceptions of our behavior, others’

influence, memories, & culture

Sources

1. Introspection – consider your own feelings– But may be difficult to describe accurately• How?

– Affective forecasting –

2. Perceptions of our own behavior:– Bem’s self-perception theory: what is it?

• When do we use this approach?

– Self-perception can influence our emotions• Facial Feedback – changes in facial expression can

trigger change in our emotion– How is it demostrated?

• New research on ‘embodied cognition’ – our judgments and behaviors reflect our body’s cues– Examples?

– Research on botox –

• How does facial feedback & embodied cognition work?

– Self-perception can influence our motivation• Overjustification effect – what is it?

• Lepper’s research on children’s motivation shows a paradox:

• Effects may depend on type of reward

3. Influence of other people –– Social comparison theory (Festinger):

Evaluate ourselves through comparisons

• When is this most likely to happen?

• With whom do we compare ourselves?

– Self-description may depend on context

4. Autobiographical memories –Recall earlier events to shape self-concept:What stages tend to be recalled?

1.

2.

What is the effect of ‘flashbulb memories’?• may not be accurate (self-presentation effects)

5. Culture & self-concept:– “Who am I?...” test

– Individualism (I) vs. collectivism (C)• I cultures = U.S., Australia, Great Britain, Canada…• C cultures = Venezuela, Colombia, Pakistan, China…• What is the focus of self-definitions in these cultures?

• Markus’ research on the self as part of a group: