A medical resident emulates the behaviors and mannerisms of the attending physicians. She also volunteers for multiple committees in an attempt to impress these physicians. Which aspects of social interaction are represented in this scenario?

Question

A medical resident emulates the behaviors and mannerisms of the attending physicians.  She also volunteers for multiple committees in an attempt to impress these physicians.  Which aspects of social interaction are represented in this scenario?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecba2d_0d6d_8a2e_a3bf_1bc8be15292c_MD0008_00 A reference group is used as a standard of comparison for one's beliefs and behaviors. Individuals compare themselves to members of their own reference group (eg, comparing one's MCAT study habits to those of other pre-meds) or to those of other reference groups to which they aspire (eg, comparing one's MCAT study habits to those of top MCAT scorers). Individuals often emulate aspirational reference group members and typically have many different reference groups. Impression management involves trying to influence how one is perceived by others by employing certain behaviors (eg, covering one's tattoos for a medical school interview). Individuals usually attempt to generate a positive impression, but not always (eg, a prisoner may flaunt tattoos in an attempt to inspire fear in other inmates). Imitation of a reference group best explains a medical resident emulating the behaviors and mannerisms of the attending physicians. Impression management best explains her volunteering for multiple committees in an attempt to impress these physicians. (Choices A, B, and C) Primary groups are composed of individuals with whom people have close and enduring relationships that involve frequent contact (eg, close friends, family). Looking-glass self describes the way our interpretation of how others perceive us impacts our self-concept (beliefs about ourselves). Primary groups and looking-glass self are not represented in this scenario. Educational objective: Individuals use reference groups as a standard of comparison for their beliefs and behaviors. Individuals often have many reference groups, to which they may belong or aspire to belong. Impression management is the process of attempting to influence how one is perceived by others, often with the goal of being perceived favorably.

A Medical Resident Emulates the Behaviors and Mannerisms of the Attending