1. Psych 160 Prof. Chen1 THE SELF  Sources of Self-Knowledge  Aspects of Self-Knowledge  Presenting the Self

2. Psych 160 Prof. Chen2 Presenting the Self Self-presentation Process through which we try to control how others see us (through words, nonverbal behavior, actions, etc.) Related to impression management, which focuses on a particular impression

3. Psych 160 Prof. Chen3 Presenting the Self Erving Goffman’s (1959) dramaturgical perspective Much of social interaction can be thought of as a play, with actors, performances, settings, scripts, props, roles, etc.

4. Psych 160 Prof. Chen4 Social interaction as a “play” Play particular roles reflecting desired images of ourselves Dress up in particular costumes in line with roles & desired images Rely on props to play our roles & convey desired images Follow (socially agreed upon) scripts Respect each other’s roles -- and even “save face” – that is, let people get away w/public presentations even if we don’t think they truly reflect who they are

5. Psych 160 Prof. Chen5 Presenting the Self Self-presentational strategies Self-promotion: trying to convey an impression of competence Ingratiation: trying to convey the impression that we’re likeable Self-handicapping: trying to have excuses ready in case we fail (behavioral and self-reported)

6. Psych 160 Prof. Chen6 Empirical Example: Self-Handicapping Shepperd & Arkin (1989) IV#1: Take test that was valid or invalid predictor of academic success [High or low importance] IV#2: Potential distractor or not [Handicap or excuse present given or not] All Ps then asked to indicate whether they’d like to hear facilitating or interfering music RESULTS? Only high importance Ps chose interfering music, and only when did not already have an excuse

7. Psych 160 Prof. Chen7 Individual Differences Self-monitoring construct (Snyder, 1974) Refers to the degree to which people are sensitive to the demands of social situations and shape their behaviors accordingly

8. Psych 160 Prof. Chen8 Self-Monitoring Scale (Snyder, 1974) Sample TRUE/FALSE items  I may deceive people by being friendly when I really dislike them.  I have considered being an entertainer.  I have trouble changing my behavior to suit different people and different situations.  I would probably make a good actor.  I can only argue for ideas that I already believe.  I have never been good at games like charades or improvisational acting.

9. Psych 160 Prof. Chen9 Empirical Example: Jones, Brenner, & Knight (1990) Recruited high and low self-monitors Asked to engage in peculiar (self-presentational) task: portray themselves as immoral and corrupt individuals in a simulated job interview After engaging in task, overheard comments suggesting they succeeded (e.g., “He wouldn’t mind selling his mother down the river”) or failed at task Self-esteem measured RESULTS?