Study guides › P/S › Psychology
Identity & Social Interaction
This chapter covers how we see ourselves, form identities, play social roles, manage impressions, and communicate. It ends with animal signaling and the psychology of attraction and relationships. You will match theorists to concepts and apply terms to scenarios.
Study this chapter in PrepMed (free)
What this chapter covers
- Self-Concept, Self-Esteem & Self-Efficacy. Several similar self terms are tested together, so learn which theorist owns each and which scenario fits it.
- Identity Formation & Social Identity. Marcia's four statuses and social identity theory are common scenario-matching items.
- Social Roles & Impression Management. Goffman's stage metaphor and the difference between role conflict and role strain show up regularly.
- Communication & Animal Signaling. Nonverbal terms are easy to confuse, and animal signaling questions link behavior to fitness and natural selection.
- Attraction & Relationships. Attraction studies come with famous names and clean scenarios, and Sternberg's triangle is an easy table to memorize.
Key points to know
- Self-esteem = global worth; self-efficacy = task-specific confidence (Bandura)
- Higgins: actual-ideal gap gives dejection; actual-ought gap gives agitation
- Erikson: identity versus role confusion in adolescence
- Marcia: diffusion, foreclosure, moratorium, achievement
- Role conflict = two roles; role strain = one role
- Goffman: front stage, back stage, impression management
- Ekman: universal expressions; display rules vary by culture
- Hall: proxemics zones (intimate, personal, social, public)
Try a practice question
Which theorist proposed that our sense of self develops from imagining how others judge us?
- Rogers
- Bandura
- Cooley
- Rotter
Show the answer
C. Cooley's looking-glass self involves imagining others' perception and judgment. Bandura's concept is self-efficacy and Rotter's is locus of control.
Common questions
What does this chapter cover?
Identity & Social Interaction covers Self-Concept, Self-Esteem & Self-Efficacy, Identity Formation & Social Identity, Social Roles & Impression Management, Communication & Animal Signaling, Attraction & Relationships.
What should I know first?
Self-esteem = global worth; self-efficacy = task-specific confidence (Bandura) Higgins: actual-ideal gap gives dejection; actual-ought gap gives agitation Erikson: identity versus role confusion in adolescence
23 original practice questions accompany this chapter in the app. Spaced review brings missed ideas back at the right time; it helps memory but cannot promise you will not miss an idea again.