The Self

1
The Self
2
What is the self?

• Two aspects combine for a coherent identity
• The self is composed of our thoughts and beliefs
  about ourselves self concept
• The self if the active processor of information
  where we think about ourselves self-awareness
• Analogy Your self is both a book (self concept)
  and
  the reader of the book (self-awareness)
• When does the sense of self develop?
• Are we the only species with a sense of self?

3
What are the functions of the self?

• Organizational function
• Self-schemas how do they compare to schemas from
  Chapter 4?
• Self-reference effect how does this effect
  compare to our discussion the first day about
  personal relevance?
• Executive function
• Self regulatory resource model would the same
  factors that decrease automaticity from Chapter 4
  also decrease self-regulation?

4
What IsSelf-presentation?

• Self presentation -the process through which we
  try to control the impressions people form of us
• More likely to self present when you are the
  object of attention
• The attention can be real (in public eye)
• There is a general tendency to overestimate the
  actual attention we receive (Spotlight Effect)
• Some people have a tendency to be chronically
  aware of oneself as in the public eye (Public
  self-consciousness)
• Some people have a tendency to be chronically
  concerned with ones public image and to adjust
  ones actions to fit the needs of the current
  situation (Self-monitoring)

5
Goals of Self-presentation

• To be seen as likeable (ingratiation)
• To be seen as competent (self-promotion)
• To be seen as powerful (intimidation)

6
GoalTo appear likeable
Goals of Self-presentation
Express Liking for Others
Create Similarity
Make Ourselves Physically Attractive
7
GoalTo Appear Competent
Goals of Self-presentation
Claiming Competence
Using the Trappings of Competence
Making Excuses or Claiming Obstacles
8
GoalTo Convey Status
Goals of Self-presentation
Display Artifacts of Power
Basking in Reflective Glory
Nonverbal dominance
9
Knowing ourselves through Introspection

• Knowing ourselves through Introspection
• Self-Awareness Theory
• Causal Theories
• Knowing ourselves through our own behavior
• Self-Perception Theory
• Intrinsic versus Extrinsic motivation
• Using other people to understand ourselves
• Social Comparison Theory
• Downward social comparison, and why?
• Upward social comparison, and why?