The Self
Who am I? Fill out the sheet. 20 statements test
Count up responses A-mode responses are the type of physical characteristics found on your driver’s license: “I am a blonde”; “I am short”; I am a Wisconsin resident.” B-mode responses describe socially defined statuses usually associated with group membership of some sort: “I am a college student”; “I am a Catholic”; I am a Korean.” C-mode responses describe styles of behavior or emotional states: “I am a happy person”; “I am a country music fan”; “I am a fashionable dresser.” D-mode responses are more general than individual: “I am part of the universe”; “I am a human being.”
Responses In the U.S., people use C statements more (preferences). There are cultural differences in the extent to which people are independent (A and C) vs. interdependent (B responses).
Percentage of responses of each type
Independent vs. interdependent My happiness depends on the happiness of those around me. I will sacrifice my self-interest for the benefit of the group. If my brother or sister fails, I feel responsible. I am comfortable with being singled out for praise or rewards. I enjoy being unique and different from others. Being able to take care of myself is a primary concern for me.
Hofstede’s dimensions Power distance (PDI) *Individualism versus collectivism (IDV) Masculinity versus femininity (MAS) Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) Long-term orientation Indulgence vs. restraint
US vs. South Korea vs. Japan
How do we know who we are? Looking glass self
Development of a sense of self Chimps and orangutans Humans—18 to 24 months 4 components: Self-knowledge Self-control Impression management Self-esteem
Self-knowledge Self-schemas Introspection Self-awareness theory—how we act when focus is on us Self-discrepancy theory Can be uncomfortable, so we may escape from self Memory Thinking about reasons
Self-knowledge via observation Schachter’s 2-factor theory of emotion Feel arousal, then label it based on situation Misattribution of arousal Dutton and Aron’s bridge study (percentage of men who called the woman)
Self-knowledge via observation Self-perception theory (Bem, 1972)—we observe our behavior to decide what we are like Intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation Overjustification effect To decrease overjustification effect Use verbal rewards Use performance-contingent rewards May not matter if not intrinsically motivated to begin with
Self-knowledge via comparison Looking glass self Social comparison theory (Festinger, 1954) Upward Lateral Downward
Self-control Self-control as a muscle Fueled by glucose
Impression management Ingratiation Self-handicapping Self-promotion Basking in reflected glory Intimidation Exemplification Supplication
Activity Design a short (1 min.) demonstration of this strategy. Then think about the following questions: When is this strategy most likely to be used? Would it be used by someone with high power or low power? More by males or females? Is it an effective strategy?
Are some people better? Self-monitoring
Self-esteem When is it good vs. bad? Narcissism http://psychcentral.com/quizzes/narcissistic.htm
Activity Raise your hands if you agree Our country needs to address the growing number of homeless persons. It is a good idea to floss your teeth daily. The right to vote is one of the most valuable rights of Korean citizens. Eating a variety of foods each day, including five or more servings of fruits and vegetables, contributes to good health.
Now answer yes/no Do you personally do anything to help the homeless (e.g., volunteer at a homeless shelter or donate money)? Do you floss your teeth everyday? Did you vote in the last election for which you were eligible? Do you regularly eat five servings of fruits and vegetables each day?
Cognitive dissonance theory (Festinger, 1954) Conflict between our view of ourselves and a thought or behavior When we surprise ourselves, feel stupid, or feel guilty Motivated to Change behavior Justify the behavior Decrease how important the discrepancy is
Justifications Justify behavior Justify choice Justify effort Hypocrisy paradigm