Deck 2: C: Perceiving the Self and Others

Question 1

Provide an example of a stereotype that people often have of police officers.

Answer 1

Answers will vary.

Question 2

List and define three of the four challenges we face when using schemas.

Answer 2

•Mindlessness: A passive perceptual state characterized by reduced cognitive activity, inaccurate recall, and uncritical evaluation. •Selective perception: Active, critical thought resulting in succumbing to the biased nature of perception. •Distorted perception: Distortion due to bias or the sensational nature of the information received. •Undue influence: Greater credibility or importance given to something shown or said than should be the case.

Question 3

In your own words, describe the difference between self-concept and self-esteem.

Answer 3

Self-concept refers to your awareness and understanding of who you are-as interpreted and influenced by your thoughts, actions, abilities, values, goals, and ideals, whereas self-esteem refers to your evaluation of those attributes.

Question 4

Define the term attribution.

Question 5

Briefly state why mindless perception might be described as a benefit to a communicator.

Question 6

Define self-disclosure.

Question 7

What theory explains why others may become more physically attractive to us after we have had positive social interactions with them?

Question 8

Briefly describe the process of selecting information as a step in the perception process.

Question 9

When we evaluate our expectations, execution, and the outcomes of our behavior in a communication encounter, we may experience a sense of self-actualization, self-adequacy, or self-denigration. Define each of these three evaluations.

Question 10

Describe the fundamental attribution error.

Question 11

Provide an example of indirect evidence that has affected your self-concept.

Question 12

Provide a brief example to illustrate how mindlessness can negatively influence our perception.

Question 13

Define the term stereotype.

Question 14

Provide a brief example of self-disclosure.
Answer Key

Question 15

Describe how using schemas assists us in the perception process.

Question 16

Briefly describe three elements of your schema for how people will behave in a college classroom.

Question 17

Define self-concept.

Question 18

Define the term schema.

Question 19

The ability to predict actual success in a communication context from our self-concept is referred to as _____________.

Question 20

In your own words, describe social comparison theory.