1. Chapter 3: Social Self Part 2: Sept. 9, 2011

2. 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)

3. 5.Culture & self-concept: – Individualism (I) vs. collectivism (C) I cultures = C cultures = What is the focus of self-definitions in these cultures? Markus’ research on the self as part of a group:

4. Self-esteem Positive and negative evaluations of ourselves – What purposes are served by SE? 1. 2. Correlations w/self-esteem:

5. Contributors to Self-Esteem Self-discrepancy theory – – What is compared? We differ in degree of self-awareness: – How does it affect our behaviors? » Halloween study – kids and free candy! Results?

6. Self-regulation Baumeister’s research on limits of self-control – It requires lots of cognitive resources Self-control is a limited resource – Link to glucose? What are Baumeister’s research results? How to re-energize our self-control? – 1. – 2.

7. Boosting self-concepts Our tendency to overestimate our abilities may serve a purpose related to self-concept – “implicit egotism” – – Self-serving cognitions – 1. Take credit for successes:

8. Self-serving cognitions (cont.): – 2. Self-handicapping: » What is its purpose? – 3. Identifying with groups and BIRGing: » ‘we won’ versus ‘they lost’

9. – 4. Downward social comparisons » How do these work and why? – Example: sibling rivalry