Question 1

Being kind to the self when one fails or feels inadequate is referred to as _____.

Accepted Answer

Self-compassion refers to treating oneself with kindness and understanding when facing failures or challenges, rather than harsh self-judgment and criticism. Self-esteem refers to one's overall evaluation of their worth and value as a person, while self-verification refers to the desire to have others confirm one's self-concept. Symbolic self-completion refers to the tendency to engage in activities or behaviors that reinforce one's desired self-concept.

Question 2

The fact that an accomplished classical musician will be treated very differently in a famous concert hall compared to if they are performing in a random subway station is MOST CLEARLY a testament to the importance of which social psychological viewpoint?

Accepted Answer

The dramaturgical perspective emphasizes how individuals present themselves differently in various social situations, depending on the audience and setting. In this scenario, the accomplished classical musician is likely to present themselves differently and be treated differently in a famous concert hall compared to a subway station, demonstrating the importance of the dramaturgical perspective. The other options do not directly relate to this specific scenario.

Question 3

What does research suggest about people who have unstable self-esteem?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that people who have unstable self-esteem are more sensitive to potential self-esteem threats. They may experience greater fluctuations in their self-esteem levels in response to different situations and experiences, and may be more likely to feel threatened or anxious when their self-esteem is challenged.

Question 4

Dikembe is on a first date. He is aware that the person he is going out with is very interested in people who are intelligent. Accordingly, Dikembe has spent the last week trying to brush up on works of classic literature and current events. During the first date, Dikembe is likely going to be:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Dikembe is on a first date. He...

Question 5

What is the central concept of the dramaturgical perspective?

Accepted Answer

The central concept of the dramaturgical perspective is that all of social life can be compared to a theatrical production in which people, like actors, perform according to a script. This perspective emphasizes the idea that individuals actively construct and present their identities to others through their actions and interactions.

Question 6

What does self-presentation research suggest is the best way to convince others that one is competent and sincere?

Accepted Answer

Self-presentation research suggests that the best way to convince others that one is competent and sincere is by not only self-promoting but also by presenting a few personal weaknesses, disagreements, and flattering others. This approach is known as self-enhancement with modesty and has been found to be more effective than brazen self-promotion or trying to convince others that one is inferior. Being low in self-monitoring tendencies may not necessarily be effective in convincing others of one's competence and sincerity.

Question 7

What does the strategy of audience segregation refer to?

Accepted Answer

Audience segregation refers to people's attempts to separate groups of people in their lives with whom they maintain somewhat different identities. This can include separating work colleagues from friends or keeping family members separate from social acquaintances.

Question 8

Research suggests that feeling ostracized in a game of cyberball increases activation in which brain region?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is activated when individuals feel excluded or ignored in social situations, including during the game of cyberball. The ACC is involved in emotional responses, pain processing, and social cognition.

Question 9

What is one way in which researchers have studied the construct of implicit self-esteem?

Accepted Answer

Researchers have used the Implicit Association Test (IAT) to study implicit self-esteem. The IAT evaluates the speed with which participants can identify positive vs. negative words after being primed with first-person singular pronouns. Slower response times for negative words are thought to reflect higher levels of implicit self-esteem.

Question 10

When giving a sincere performance, a person _____; when giving a cynical performance, a person _____.

Accepted Answer

A sincere performance often comes naturally, without the performer being overly conscious of their actions as a performance. In contrast, a cynical performance is typically more calculated, with the performer being fully aware that they are putting on an act.

Question 11

Which of the following elements is NOT a key element of self-compassion?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a deep sense that the self is always good is not a key element of self-compassion. In fact, self-compassion involves recognizing that we all have flaws, make mistakes, and struggle at times. It is about treating ourselves with kindness and understanding, even when we fall short of our own expectations.

Question 12

What does the contemporary state of research suggest about the relationship between culture and self-esteem?

Accepted Answer

The contemporary state of research suggests that people in different cultures pursue self-esteem equally, but via different routes and standards. Individualist cultures tend to prioritize personal achievement and independence as sources of self-esteem, whereas collectivist cultures prioritize social relationships and interdependence. Additionally, individuals in individualistic cultures are more likely to engage in self-serving biases like the better than average effect. However, overall, self-esteem is valued and pursued by individuals in all cultures.

Question 13

Which of the following is not an example of a self-presentational strategy?

Accepted Answer

Self-verification is a motivation to seek out feedback that confirms one's self-concept rather than presenting a certain image to others, so it is not a self-presentational strategy. Behavioral mimicry, audience segregation, and lying all involve intentionally presenting oneself in a certain way to others.

Question 14

While the sociometer model emphasizes _____, the status-maximization model emphasizes _____.

Accepted Answer

The sociometer model emphasizes the desire to fit in with others, as it suggests self-esteem is a gauge of social acceptance. The status-maximization model emphasizes the desire to stand out from others, focusing on achieving higher social status.

Question 15

Compared to overall self-esteem, self-compassion should be _____ self-serving biases and defensive tendencies.

Accepted Answer

Self-compassion is less dependent on self-serving biases and defensive tendencies compared to overall self-esteem. Self-compassion is about accepting one's flaws and failures, rather than seeking to protect one's self-image. Therefore, individuals who are high in self-compassion are less likely to engage in biased thinking or defensive reactions.

Question 16

People in individualist cultures tend to declare themselves better than average on _____, while people in collectivist cultures tend to declare themselves better than average on _____.

Accepted Answer

Individualist cultures emphasize personal achievements and qualities such as self-reliance, leading individuals to rate themselves higher on these traits. Collectivist cultures value group harmony and loyalty, so individuals in these cultures are more likely to rate themselves higher on traits related to group cohesion and loyalty.

Question 17

Intrinsic self-esteem is based on _____, while extrinsic self-esteem is based on _____.

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic self-esteem is based on enduring inner qualities such as values, character, and abilities, while extrinsic self-esteem is based on external factors like physical appearance or social approval.

Question 18

Being reminded of extrinsic sources of self-esteem has led to all of the following effects except _____.

Accepted Answer

Being reminded of extrinsic sources of self-esteem has negative effects, such as increased downward social comparisons, self-handicapping, and conformity. However, it does not necessarily lead to a commitment to personally valued goals. In fact, it may undermine intrinsic motivation and lead to a focus on external rewards rather than personal growth and fulfillment.

Question 19

Which of the following statements is NOT an accurate implication from the existing research literature on self-esteem?

Accepted Answer

The existing research literature actually suggests that it is not easy to increase a person's overall level of self-esteem, despite the widespread belief that it is. There is evidence that attempts to artificially inflate self-esteem can actually backfire and lead to greater insecurity and negative outcomes.

Question 20

What happens in the typical cyberball game paradigm?

Accepted Answer

In the cyberball game paradigm, participants begin playing an electronic game of "catch" with two avatars, and the avatars eventually stop including the participant in the game. This is a way to simulate social exclusion and study its effects on individuals. Option A is incorrect because the avatars do not gradually increase the extent to which they include the participant. Options C and D involve a dialog with a computerized avatar or a participant in another room, which is not part of the cyberball game paradigm.

Quiz 6: The Key Self-Motives: Consistency, Esteem, Presentation, and Growth