The Self

Who am I? Fill out the sheet. 20 statements test

Count up responsesA-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.”

ResponsesIn 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

American students

Kenyan students Workers in Nairobi

Masai tribespeople

Sambura tribespeople

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roles and group membershipspersonal characteristics

Independent vs. interdependentMy 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 dimensionsPower distance (PDI)*Individualism versus collectivism (IDV)Masculinity versus femininity (MAS)Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI)Long-term orientationIndulgence vs. restraint

US vs. South Korea vs. Japan

PDI IDV MAS UAI LTO0

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USSouth KoreaJapan

How do we know who we are?Looking glass self

Development of a sense of selfChimps and orangutansHumans—18 to 24 months4 components:

Self-knowledgeSelf-controlImpression managementSelf-esteem

Self-knowledgeSelf-schemasIntrospectionSelf-awareness theory—how we act when

focus is on usSelf-discrepancy theoryCan be uncomfortable, so we may escape

from selfMemory Thinking about reasons

Self-knowledge via observationSchachter’s 2-factor theory of emotion

Feel arousal, then label it based on situationMisattribution of arousalDutton and Aron’s bridge study (percentage of

men who called the woman)

After crossing On bridge0

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Self-knowledge via observationSelf-perception theory (Bem, 1972)—we

observe our behavior to decide what we are likeIntrinsic vs. extrinsic motivationOverjustification effect

To decrease overjustification effectUse verbal rewardsUse performance-contingent rewardsMay not matter if not intrinsically motivated to

begin with

Self-knowledge via comparisonLooking glass selfSocial comparison theory (Festinger, 1954)

UpwardLateralDownward

Self-controlSelf-control as a muscleFueled by glucose

Impression managementIngratiationSelf-handicappingSelf-promotionBasking in reflected gloryIntimidationExemplificationSupplication

ActivityDesign 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-esteemWhen is it good vs. bad? Narcissismhttp://

psychcentral.com/quizzes/narcissistic.htm

ActivityRaise 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/noDo 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 behaviorWhen we surprise ourselves, feel stupid, or

feel guiltyMotivated to

Change behaviorJustify the behaviorDecrease how important the discrepancy is

JustificationsJustify behaviorJustify choiceJustify effortHypocrisy paradigm