Self-Perception and Psychological Concepts

This module explores the concept of the self in psychology, tracing its historical roots and current research. It covers self-esteem, self-efficacy, and the effects of excessive optimism and incompetence. The module also examines self-serving bias, narcissism, and the differences between secure and defensive self-esteem. Finally, it contrasts individualist and collectivist cultures, highlighting their values and goals.

Who was one of the earliest psychologists to extensively study the concept of the self?

• B.F. Skinner

• Sigmund Freud

• William James

• Carl Jung

What is the term for the tendency to overestimate how much others notice and evaluate our appearance and actions?

• Narcissism

• Dunning-Kruger effect

• Self-serving bias

• Spotlight effect

How does self-efficacy differ from self-esteem?

• Self-efficacy is about personal goals, while self-esteem is about social acceptance.

• Self-efficacy is about self-worth, while self-esteem is about competence.

• Self-efficacy is about competence, while self-esteem is about self-worth.

• Self-efficacy is about social acceptance, while self-esteem is about personal goals.

What is a benefit of high self-esteem?

• Greater persistence at difficult tasks.

• Higher likelihood of conforming to social norms.

• More sleepless nights.

• Increased susceptibility to peer pressure.

What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?

• The tendency to be overconfident when one is actually incompetent.

• The tendency to have an inflated sense of self-importance.

• The tendency to see oneself as better than average.

• The tendency to overestimate how much others notice us.

What is the self-serving bias?

• The tendency to attribute successes to external factors.

• The tendency to see oneself as worse than average.

• The readiness to perceive oneself favorably.

• The tendency to underestimate one's own abilities.

What is a common characteristic of narcissistic individuals?

• They crave adulation and become enraged when criticized.

• They tend to forgive others easily.

• They are often humble and self-critical.

• They have low self-esteem and avoid social media.

What is the difference between secure self-esteem and defensive self-esteem?

• Secure self-esteem is based on external validation, while defensive self-esteem is not.

• Defensive self-esteem leads to positive self-thoughts, while secure self-esteem does not.

• Defensive self-esteem is sturdy and resilient, while secure self-esteem is fragile.

• Secure self-esteem is less dependent on external evaluations, while defensive self-esteem is focused on sustaining itself.

What is individualism?

• Giving priority to group goals over personal goals.

• Defining one's identity based on group identifications.

• Giving priority to personal goals over group goals.

• Valuing social harmony and interdependence.

How do collectivist cultures typically respond to disasters?

• With a focus on personal independence and self-reliance.

• With a sense of duty to others and social harmony.

• With looting and disorder.

• With a focus on individual achievement and personal goals.