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Study Overview
Purpose: Gather extensive data from undergraduate students.
Method: Conducted life-history interviews with nearly 200 participants, all
videotaped.
Interview Approach
Initial Question: Presented unexpectedly to gauge spontaneous
responses.
Participant Reactions:
Some provided basic details such as name, hometown, and major.
Others shared their favorite activities or life goals.
The most frequent initial reaction was a look of panic followed by
hesitant responses like “um . . . er . . . well . . .”
Key Insight
Self-Understanding Challenge: Despite assumptions, many find it
surprisingly difficult to articulate a concise self-description when asked
without preparation.
THE “I” AND THE “ME”
Conceptualizing the Self
Source: William James (1890) identified two aspects of self: the "I" and
the "me."
Definitions
The Me: Described as an observable object, the "me" is the
epistemological self, encompassing traits and factual descriptors (e.g., "I
am friendly," "I am 6 feet tall").
The I: Known as the ontological self, the "I" is the experiencing entity
within, akin to a homunculus or soul. It's involved in decision making and
experiencing life.
Challenges in Self-Understanding
Difficulty in Description: Describing the "I" is challenging because it
involves introspection about deep, often inarticulable feelings related to
one's traits and decisions.
Example by Ernest Hilgard (1949): Illustrates the confusion in self-
perception using the metaphor of infinite reflections between two mirrors,
highlighting the complexity of discerning the observer ("I") from the
observed ("me").
Psychological Perspectives and Research
, Existential-Phenomenological Psychology: Explores the mysterious
nature of the "I" and its experience.
Self-Awareness Variability: According to Robins, Tracy, & Trzesniewski
(2008), individuals differ significantly in their levels of self-awareness.
Scientific Challenges: Stan Klein (2012) suggests that the "I" might be
elusive to traditional scientific methods.
Current Research Focus
Emphasis on the 'Me': Contemporary research is more articulate about
the "me," which can be described and shared both by the individual and
by others.
Chapter Focus: This chapter primarily explores the epistemological self,
discussing what individuals consciously know and express about
themselves.
THE CONTENTS AND PURPOSES OF THE SELF
The Expansive Concept of the "Me" by William James
Inclusive Nature of the "Me"
Components: Encompasses personality traits, physical body,
possessions, and close relationships (e.g., family).
Emotional Attachment: Damage or criticism to these components elicits
strong emotional reactions as if the self were directly harmed.
Psychological Core of the Self
Significance of Self-Image: Shapes behaviors and interactions (e.g.,
response to a homeless person).
Memory and Judgment Organization: Central to organizing memories
and forming impressions of others.
Functions of the Self
Self-Regulation: Controls impulses and focuses on long-term goals.
Information Processing: Acts as a filter to focus on significant
information, organize it, and sometimes distort it to enhance self-
perception.
Relational Function: Enhances understanding and empathy with others
by comparing others' experiences to personal feelings.
Identity Formation: Establishes a unique social and familial position,
influenced by the personal "life story" narrative.
Types of Self-Knowledge
Declarative Knowledge: Consists of explicit facts and impressions about
oneself that can be verbally expressed.
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