Self-Concept and Social Comparison

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to self-concept, self-esteem, social comparison, and the influence of culture on the self.

What is self-concept?

A set of specific beliefs by which you define who you are.

What are the two components of self-identity?

Personal identity (individual traits and achievements) and social identity (groups we identify with and belong to).

What are self-schemas?

Beliefs about the self that help organize and guide the processing of self-relevant information.

What is the self-reference effect?

The idea that an individual processes information more quickly and thoroughly when it relates to their self-concept than when it doesn’t.

What is the 4 I's framework in understanding culture?

A framework that states individuals are shaped by interactions with others, formal institutions, and commonly shared ideas of morality.

How do individualistic and collectivistic cultures differ?

Individualistic cultures value independence and self-reliance, while collectivistic cultures value interdependence and social harmony.

What is introspection in the context of self-understanding?

The theory that we can 'look inward' to understand ourselves and our behaviors.

What is impact bias in affective forecasting?

Errors in estimating the intensity and duration of emotional reactions.

What are self-enhancement biases?

Cognitive biases that promote a favorable self-view, including unrealistic optimism, better-than-average effect, false consensus, and false uniqueness.

How do people typically evaluate their own abilities?

By comparing themselves to others, especially when objective evaluative information is not available.

What was the Morse & Gergen experiment about?

Participants evaluated their self-esteem after interacting with upward or downward comparison targets before a job interview.

What impact does social media have on social comparison?

It creates constant exposure to comparison targets, influencing self-evaluation.

What does the term 'self-esteem' refer to?

An individual's overall subjective emotional evaluation of their worth.

What does Bert know about herself?

She knows that she is better than average.