1. Chapter 3: The Social Self Part 1: Sept. 8, 2010

2. 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

3. 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?

4. – 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?

5. – 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

6. 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

7. 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)

8. 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: