Homework: Social Cognition
Purpose: Social cognition involves thinking about other people and the self. In this homework, you will gain a deeper understanding of how people learn about themselves and other people in terms of schemas and self-schemas.
Instructions: Your homework is divided into two major parts. The first part explores the function of schemas in general, and the second part reviews the function of self-schemas.
Section I: Schemas
An important building block of social cognition is the "schema." In this first section of your homework, address the following:
1. Define a schema and discuss the purpose of schemas
2. Review the three modes of social learning and provide a personal example of each mode in your own life.
3. Compare and contrast "assimilation" and "accommodation"
4. Explain why assimilation or accommodation is more likely to occur when people receive new information about a person.
5. Review some of your beliefs about people you know. Were these beliefs formed through assimilation, accommodation, or a combination of both? Do you think that your expectations now influence how you respond to these people?
Section II: Self-concept
When you are asked "Who are you?", you typically answer this question by mentally accessing your self-concept. To better understand your personal mental map, complete the Twenty Statements Test shown in your textbook (e.g. I am (Fill in the blank) __________).
On a piece of paper or in a Word file, list 20 words that describe you.
Next, organize these self-descriptions into an image that somehow represents you such as a word cloud, a word collage, or other visual representation of yourself. Create this image on a computer or by hand. (If you create the image by hand, take a picture of yourself with the creation to upload for your instructor.)
Below your image, address the following questions:
1. What are the most important aspects of your self-concept in the image you created, and how do those aspects influence your behavior?
2. How does the self-concept develop and change over time?
3. Consider people you know in terms of self-complexity. Some people have complex self-concepts and some have simple self-concepts. What effects do these differences seem to have on their feelings and behavior?
4. How are your thoughts, feelings, and behavior influenced by your private and public self-consciousness?
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
1. The answer must be double spaced, typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the course title, the student's name, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.