Question 1

The self-serving attributional bias is the tendency to make:

Accepted Answer

The self-serving attributional bias is the tendency to attribute one's successes to internal or personal factors while attributing failures to external or situational factors. This means individuals are more likely to attribute good outcomes to their own character or abilities (internal attributions) and bad outcomes to factors outside their control (external attributions).

Question 2

If you assign to other people the traits that you fear you possess,then you are engaging in:

Accepted Answer

This is an example of projection, which refers to a defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own unconscious or unwanted thoughts, feelings, or motives onto another person. In this case, the individual is projecting their own feared traits onto other people.

Question 3

Self-handicapping refers to:

Accepted Answer

Self-handicapping involves purposely creating obstacles or excuses to lessen the blow to one's self-esteem if they fail. This can include procrastination, using substances, or blaming external factors for potential failure. The other options listed do not accurately describe self-handicapping.

Question 4

Manute has often done well on math tests in the past.However,the latest concepts in his math course have been very difficult for him,and he is uncertain whether he will be able to do well on the upcoming exam.The night before the test,a friend invites Manute to go to a party.What does research on self-handicapping suggest Manute will do?

Accepted Answer

Research on self-handicapping suggests that individuals might engage in behaviors that could provide an excuse for potential failure. Going to a party, staying up late, and drinking could serve as a self-handicap for Manute, giving him an external reason for not performing well on the exam if that happens.

Question 5

Images of what the future self may look like are referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Images of what the future self may look like are referred to as possible selves. Possible selves are the future-oriented aspects of an individual's self-concept that represent what the individual hopes to become, what they expect to become, and what they fear becoming. These future selves may include personal goals, aspirations, fears, or obligations. Possible selves can be a driving force behind a person's motivation, decision making, and behavior.

Question 6

Trait self-esteem refers specifically to:

Accepted Answer

Trait self-esteem refers to a person's general attitude towards themselves, which can range from very positive to very negative. It is not a temporary feeling that can fluctuate with changing circumstances, nor is it an implicit attitude that may not be consciously recognized.

Question 7

All of the following are mechanisms that people use routinely to maintain their self-esteem EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Self-verification is a process where individuals seek to confirm their existing self-concepts rather than enhancing their self-esteem. It involves looking for information that confirms what they already believe about themselves, which is different from mechanisms aimed at maintaining or boosting self-esteem.

Question 8

Salina is nervous about her upcoming tennis match with her new team.Instead of getting a good night's sleep prior to the match,she goes to a party and stays out late.Salina is engaging in:

Accepted Answer

Salina is engaging in self-handicapping by staying out late instead of getting a good night's sleep. Self-handicapping is when individuals engage in behaviors that sabotage their own performance, allowing them to attribute their poor performance to external factors rather than their own abilities.

Question 9

All of the following factors are known to exert a strong influence on a person's level and sources of self-esteem EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The extent to which people value self-complexity is not known to exert a strong influence on a person's level and sources of self-esteem. Culture, genetics, and reflected appraisals/social comparisons experienced in childhood are all known to have significant effects on self-esteem.

Question 10

Taylor did not do well on her social psychology exam.If Taylor exhibits the self-serving attributional bias,she will:

Accepted Answer

If Taylor exhibits the self-serving attributional bias, she will likely blame external factors, such as the professor not testing fairly, rather than taking responsibility for her own performance. Option A may be the ideal response, but it is not reflective of self-serving bias. Option B involves self-blame, which is not consistent with self-serving bias. Option D also does not reflect self-serving bias as it involves giving up rather than trying to attribute external factors to the poor performance.

Question 11

All of the following are true about self-handicapping EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Research on gender differences in self-handicapping yields mixed results, and some studies have found no significant difference between men and women. Therefore, although self-handicapping may occur more frequently in certain populations, such as those prone to social anxiety or low self-esteem, it is not accurate to generalize that men are more likely to self-handicap than women.

Question 12

Your text cites all of the following variables as a primary contingency on which people base their self-esteem EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Deference to authority figures is not typically cited as a primary contingency on which people base their self-esteem. Academic accomplishments, physical attractiveness, and God's love are more commonly associated with self-esteem factors.

Question 13

Manal has decided she would like to lose some weight in the coming month.She posts online that this is her goal for the month.What does research based on symbolic self-completion theory suggest will happen?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic self-completion theory suggests that individuals may feel a sense of completion or accomplishment simply by making statements or actions that symbolize their desired self-image. In this case, Manal's online post symbolizes her desire to be a healthier and fitter person. However, the theory also suggests that this symbolic self-completion can reduce the motivation to actually achieve the desired goal, as the individual may feel that they have already accomplished something by making the statement or action. Therefore, Manal may actually be less likely to lose weight because she has already "completed" her goal symbolically through her online post.

Question 14

The theory of symbolic self-completion suggests that:

Accepted Answer

The theory of symbolic self-completion suggests that when people feel a self-defining aspect of themselves is threatened, they compensate by displaying symbols which support their self-definition. These symbols can be in the form of objects, behaviors, or even other people who share their beliefs or values. This theory proposes that individuals want to feel complete and consistent in their self-image, and will use symbols to achieve this sense of wholeness.

Question 15

State self-esteem refers specifically to:

Accepted Answer

State self-esteem refers to the temporary feelings of worthiness or unworthiness that fluctuate based on current circumstances, events, or interactions, unlike trait self-esteem, which is a more enduring, overall assessment of one's worth.

Question 16

Which of the following statements accurately summarizes findings from research on possible selves?

Accepted Answer

Research has found that thinking about possible selves can be a powerful motivator for goal-setting and achievement. People are more likely to pursue goals when they have a clear vision of a positive future self they want to become. Possible selves also play a role in influencing behavior, as individuals may strive to align their actions with their desired future selves. While negative possible selves do exist, they tend to be less influential than positive ones.

Question 17

Which of the following statements accurately summarizes findings from research on the narration of personally experienced traumatic events?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that individuals who seek out cause-and-effect connections in their narratives of traumatic events tend to experience improved coping, as this process helps them make sense of their experiences and integrate them into their broader life story.

Question 18

_____ has been identified by research as a technique that helps individuals preserve a sense of self-continuity and meaning,even in the face of reminders of mortality.

Accepted Answer

Research has identified nostalgia, or the act of reminiscing about positive past experiences, as a technique that helps individuals maintain a sense of continuity and meaning in the face of mortality reminders. It has been found to boost feelings of social connectedness, optimism, and self-esteem.

Question 19

Self-esteem is defined as the:

Accepted Answer

Self-esteem is the level of positive feeling one has about oneself. While A, B, and D may all be related to self-esteem, they do not fully capture the essence of what self-esteem is. Self-esteem goes beyond just satisfaction with one's life or liking oneself, but includes a positive evaluation of oneself as a whole.

Question 20

If you think your shortcomings are pretty common,but you think your strengths are unique,you have provided an example of:

Accepted Answer

This is an example of the "better than average effect," where individuals believe they are above average in their positive qualities and below average in their negative qualities, reflecting a common cognitive bias towards self-enhancement.

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