Test: Self-Presentation and Interacting with Others - MCAT MCQ

Self-presentation refers to the conscious and deliberate strategies individuals use to create specific impressions in the minds of others. It involves managing one's behavior, appearance, and verbal communication to shape how others perceive and evaluate them.

Impression management is a concept developed by sociologist Erving Goffman. It refers to the conscious efforts individuals make to present themselves in a favorable light to others. This involves using various strategies, such as controlling information, altering behavior, and manipulating the physical environment, to shape the impressions others form about oneself.

Self-monitoring refers to the ability to regulate and adapt one's behavior in different social situations. Individuals who are high self-monitors are skilled at reading social cues and adjusting their behavior to fit the expectations of others. Adapting one's behavior to fit in with a new group of friends is an example of self-monitoring.

Cognitive dissonance theory proposes that individuals have an inherent desire to maintain consistency between their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. When there is a mismatch between these elements, individuals experience psychological discomfort, known as cognitive dissonance. They are then motivated to reduce this discomfort by changing their attitudes or behaviors to align with each other.

Gaining social acceptance is a primary concern of impression management. Individuals engage in impression management to shape others' perceptions of them in a positive way, leading to social acceptance, approval, and favorable treatment. It involves strategic behaviors aimed at creating a desirable impression and being accepted by others.

The self-serving bias refers to the tendency for individuals to attribute their own successes to internal factors (e.g., personal qualities, efforts) and their failures to external factors (e.g., luck, situational factors). It helps individuals maintain positive self-esteem and protect their self-image by preserving a positive view of themselves.

Social exchange theory suggests that individuals engage in social relationships with the goal of maximizing rewards and minimizing costs. According to this theory, people evaluate their relationships based on the perceived benefits they receive and the costs they incur. They seek to maintain relationships that offer more rewards than costs, leading to relationship satisfaction.

High self-monitors are individuals who are skilled at adjusting their behavior to fit different social contexts. They have a greater ability to adapt and change their behavior based on the expectations and norms of different situations. They are versatile and can present themselves differently in various social settings.

The dramaturgical perspective, developed by Erving Goffman, likens social interactions to a theatrical performance. Goffman suggests that individuals engage in impression management by adopting different roles and performing in front of others. Individuals are seen as actors, and social situations are viewed as stages where people play different roles to present themselves to others.

In sociology, the concept of "face" refers to the social value, status, and reputation an individual maintains in a group. It involves the positive social identity and respect one receives from others. Maintaining face is important in many cultures, and individuals often engage in impression management to protect and enhance their face in social interactions.