Social Psychology: Self-Concept, Attitudes, and Persuasion Review

Spotlight Effect

The tendency for individuals to overestimate how much others notice and pay attention to their appearance, behavior, and mistakes.

Illusion of Transparency

The belief that our internal thoughts and feelings are more visible to others than they actually are.

Self-Concept

The collection of beliefs that one has about oneself, including characteristics, traits, and personal identity.

Working Self-Concept

The ideas and beliefs about oneself that are currently activated in a specific context.

Self-Schema

A cognitive representation of oneself that organizes and guides the processing of self-related information.

Influence on Behavior

Strong schemas can impact behavior by influencing how we interpret information and react to situations related to that characteristic.

Self-Reference Effect

The tendency to better remember information that relates to oneself compared to information that does not.

Known (Me)

Refers to the content of the self-concept.

Knower (I)

Refers to the conscious self that reflects on experiences.

Self-Awareness

The ability to recognize oneself as a separate entity, often leading to introspection.

Assessment

Self-recognition is often assessed through mirror tests or similar evaluations.

Self-awareness Triggers

Situations like public speaking, being observed, or receiving feedback can elicit self-awareness.

Public Self-Awareness

Awareness of oneself in a social context, influencing behavior to meet societal expectations.

Private Self-Awareness

Awareness of internal states; may lead to increased self-regulation and authenticity.

Self-Consciousness

A chronic awareness of oneself as a social object, heightening sensitivity to social evaluations.

Self-Discrepancy Theory (Higgins, 1989)

The theory posits that individuals compare their actual self with their ideal and ought selves, leading to emotional consequences.

Actual Self

How we see ourselves currently.

Ought Self

How we think we should be.

Ideal Self

How we would like to be.

Consequences of Self-Awareness

Increased reflection, anxiety about social standards, and motivation to meet self-domains.

Sources of Self-Inferences

We draw inferences about ourselves through social comparison, reflected appraisals, and experiences.

Social Comparison Theory

Individuals assess themselves against others, impacting self-esteem and identity.

Upward vs. Downward Comparisons

Upward comparisons can lead to feelings of inadequacy, while downward comparisons can enhance self-esteem.

Referred Appraisals

The process of understanding oneself through the perception of others' views.

Social Identity Theory

Individualism emphasizes personal agency while collectivism values group membership.

Self-Perception Theory

We learn about ourselves through our behavior and the context surrounding it.

Facial Feedback Hypothesis & Misattribution of Arousal

Emotions can be influenced by one's facial expressions; Arousal can be misattributed to different sources depending on context.

Knowledge/Growth

Understanding oneself and personal growth.

Impression Management

Controlling how others perceive us.

Esteem

Maintaining self-esteem and positive self-regard.

Consistency

Seeking coherence in self-concepts and beliefs.

Factors Influencing Self-Esteem

Social feedback, personal achievements, and comparisons.

Trait vs. State Self-Esteem

Trait is stable over time, while state can fluctuate.

Narcissism

An inflated sense of self-importance, often correlates with high self-esteem but can lead to relationship issues.

Self-Efficacy

Confidence in one's ability to succeed in specific situations; influences performance outcomes.

Self-Monitoring

The extent to which individuals adjust their behavior based on social situations; high self-monitors adapt effectively.

Self-Enhancement Strategies

Cognitive Biases: Favoring information that confirms positive beliefs about oneself (self-serving bias).

Self-Handicapping

Creating obstacles to one's success to protect self-esteem.

Self-Evaluation Maintenance Model (SEM)

Examines how relationships affect self-esteem and the degree of envy or pride.

Components of Attitudes

Affective (emotions), Behavioral (actions), Cognitive (beliefs).

Implicit vs. Explicit Attitudes

Implicit attitudes are unconscious; explicit are consciously held.

Bogus Pipeline Procedure

A method to reduce social desirability bias in self-reporting.

Implicit Associations Test (IAT)

Measures strength of automatic associations between concepts.

Learning Attitudes

Methods: Self-perception, classical and operant conditioning, and social learning (observing others).

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

Motivated by internal rewards; Motivated by external rewards or pressures.

Overjustification Effect

When external rewards diminish intrinsic motivation. Example: A child who enjoys drawing losing interest when rewarded for it.

Genetics and Attitudes

Genetic predispositions can shape how attitudes are formed and maintained.

LaPiere's Study (1934)

Showed discrepancies in attitudes vs. actual behavior regarding racial prejudice.

Factors Influencing Attitude-Behavior Consistency

Strength: Importance of the attitude, vested interest, and accessibility.

Aggregation of Behaviors

Considering a set of behaviors rather than a single behavior.

Specificity

How closely aligned attitudes are to specific behaviors.

Personality Variables

Traits like self-consciousness and self-monitoring affect consistency.

Theory of Planned Behavior

Outlines how attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control influence intentions that guide behavior.

Cognitive Dissonance

A psychological conflict arising from contradictory beliefs or behaviors; classic studies illustrate its powerful effects.

Factors Influencing Persuasion

Source, Message, and Receiver.

Success Characteristics for Fear Appeals

Depends on factors like persuasibility, mood, and need for cognition.

Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM)

Proposes two routes to persuasion: central (thoughtful consideration) and peripheral (superficial cues). Central route leads to lasting attitude change.

Defenses Against Persuasion

Strategies such as cognitive biases, reactance, forewarning, and attitude inoculation which help resist persuasive attempts.

Attitude Inoculation in Campaigns

Techniques used to prepare individuals to resist persuasion, effective in public service campaigns like reducing teen smoking.