Understanding the Social Self: Influences and Impacts Quiz

1. What is the main idea of social comparison theory? To whom do we tend to compare ourselves?

People tend to compare themselves to famous celebrities.

People tend to compare themselves to fictional characters.

People tend to compare themselves to historical figures.

Social comparison theory focuses on comparing oneself to similar others for evaluating opinions and abilities. Comparing to fictional characters, famous celebrities, or historical figures is not the main idea of this theory.

Explanation

Social comparison theory focuses on comparing oneself to similar others for evaluating opinions and abilities. Comparing to fictional characters, famous celebrities, or historical figures is not the main idea of this theory.

2. What is Dialecticism?

A type of medication used to treat depression and anxiety.

A form of government where power is centralized in the hands of a single individual.

An Eastern system of thought that accepts the coexistence of contradictory characteristics within a single person.

A philosophical movement that promotes the idea of absolute truth.

Dialecticism refers to an Eastern system of thought that emphasizes the acceptance of contradictory characteristics within individuals. It is a concept that allows for the coexistence of opposing forces or viewpoints.

Explanation

Dialecticism refers to an Eastern system of thought that emphasizes the acceptance of contradictory characteristics within individuals. It is a concept that allows for the coexistence of opposing forces or viewpoints.

3. What is a Self-Schema?

A form of ancient philosophical meditation technique.

A species of tropical fish known for its vibrant colors.

A type of computer programming language.

Self-Schema refers to a psychological concept related to the beliefs individuals hold about themselves.

Explanation

Self-Schema refers to a psychological concept related to the beliefs individuals hold about themselves.

4. What are the pros/cons of having high self-esteem?

High self-esteem makes individuals more likely to engage in risky behaviors.

High self-esteem leads to arrogance and a lack of empathy for others.

Low self-esteem is always beneficial as it keeps individuals grounded and humble.

High self-esteem has both pros and cons, including benefits such as increased confidence and motivation, as well as drawbacks such as potential social consequences and difficulties in fighting off illness for individuals with low self-esteem.

Explanation

High self-esteem has both pros and cons, including benefits such as increased confidence and motivation, as well as drawbacks such as potential social consequences and difficulties in fighting off illness for individuals with low self-esteem.

5. What are two of the explanations that have been offered to account for our need for self-esteem?

1) To connect with others & gain their approval2) To cope with a basic fear of death (terror managament theory)

1) To show superiority over others

3) To maintain physical health

4) As a result of genetic inheritance

The need for self-esteem is a complex psychological phenomenon that has been theorized to serve various functions, including social connection and coping with mortality, as suggested by terror management theory.

Explanation

The need for self-esteem is a complex psychological phenomenon that has been theorized to serve various functions, including social connection and coping with mortality, as suggested by terror management theory.

6. Distinguish among the actual, ought and ideal selves.

Differences between the actual and ideal selves are related to shame, guilt, and anxiety.

Differences between the ideal and ought selves are related to feelings of disappointment and depression.

7. What are some strategies people commonly use to deal with the discomfort that often results from increased self awareness?

Seek external validation and approval from others to diminish the discomfort.

Engage in self-criticism and further self-analysis to intensify self-awareness.

Ignore the discomfort and distract themselves with temporary gratifications.

8. How can attempts at self control backfire?

Self-control has no impact on outcomes.

Self-control is only necessary in certain situations but not others.

Self-control always leads to success and never backfires.

Attempts at self-control can backfire when self-control is a limited resource that can be depleted, leading to boomerang effects or choking under pressure.

Explanation

Attempts at self-control can backfire when self-control is a limited resource that can be depleted, leading to boomerang effects or choking under pressure.

9. Distinguish between high and low self-monitors.

(+) Low self-monitors are adaptable and change their behavior based on the context they are in.

(+) High self-monitors express themselves consistently, showing their true self in all situations.

(+) High self-monitors are more genuine in their expressions compared to low self-monitors.

High self-monitors are more likely to adapt their behavior and communication style based on the social context, while low self-monitors tend to maintain a consistent behavioral style across different situations.

Explanation

High self-monitors are more likely to adapt their behavior and communication style based on the social context, while low self-monitors tend to maintain a consistent behavioral style across different situations.

10. What is self-monitoring?

- Self-monitoring is the process of keeping a diary to record daily activities and thoughts.

(+) Individuals differ in their tendency to regulate their behavior to meet the demands of social situations.

- Self-monitoring refers to tracking one's physical health and fitness levels.

- Self-monitoring is the act of observing and evaluating one's own behavior and performance.

Self-monitoring, in the context of psychology, refers to the individual differences in the tendency to regulate behavior to meet the demands of social situations. It involves being aware of and actively managing how one presents themselves in different situations.

Explanation

Self-monitoring, in the context of psychology, refers to the individual differences in the tendency to regulate behavior to meet the demands of social situations. It involves being aware of and actively managing how one presents themselves in different situations.