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Self-Perception Theory 9510ce6b0848a588339dd026fe051b42 - Coggle Diagram
Self-Perception Theory
Nature of the Theory
Focus of the Theory :lock:
This theory also focuses on the emotion one can infer through observing both body language and external cues.
This theory also focuses on the process of attitude formation through inferring one’s own behavior and coming to conclusions as to how an attitude must have caused that behavior.
The theory of Self-Perception focuses on the attitude a person can possibly have based on the overt behavior displayed.
Development of the Theory :fountain_pen:
The theorist conducted an experiment that involved subjects listening to a record of a man enthusiastically describing a peg-turning task. Two separate groups were made. The first group was told that the man doing the task was paid $1 for his testimonial while the second group was told he was payed $20 for the task.
The former believed that the man did enjoy the task more than how the former group believed he enjoyed it.
Both of the groups’ conclusions corresponded to the feelings that the actors expressed.
Due to the same group having to correctly guess how the actors felt, it was concluded that the actor must have arrived at the way he felt from observing their behavior as well.
With this experience, the theorist was able to prove how behavior greatly influence attitude.
Proponent of the Theory
The Theorist :silhouette:
The theorist is none other than Daryl Bem, a contemporary social psychologist.
Bem studied social psychology at the University of Michigan and received his PhD in 1964. He taught at Cornell between 1978 and 2007 and he now holds the title of Professor Emeritus.
Bem served as consulting editor for a number of psychology-related publications including Journal of Personality, Journal for the Theory of Social Behavior, and Psychological Review.
Coming Up with the Theory :unlock:
Daryl Bem came up with the theory in 1967 when he wanted to argue that people analyze their own behavior the same way they would analyze other’s own behavior
During that time, Bem was proposing something that was counter to how people’s attitudes and behaviors were thought of. Hence, the theory of Self-Perception was made which seeks to explain that it is also possible that people understand their attitudes and interests because they have made inferences based on their behavior.
Concept and Structure of Self
Arguments of the Theory :warning:
The theory of Self-Perception argues that the attitude we initially lack can be discovered through basing the overt behavior that we exhibit.
Furthermore, it is not our self-perception of things and attitudes that influence our behavior but rather the other way around.
Supposing a friend perceives himself as a person who likes to cook food, as a result of this interest, he would pursue buying utensils and cooking several dishes. In this case, his attitude influenced his behavior which is not the case in terms of Self-Perception theory.
Whereas, if we are to put the situation in the context of the theory, we could perhaps say that that certain friend takes interest into cooking on the basis of frequently cooking dishes and buying kitchen utensils.
Application in Daily Life Experiences
Theory Reflected in Daily Life Experience :<3:
Whenever I arrive at a certain event, I always try to act like I am enthusiastic by smiling to everyone I meet. Through this, the state I was in prior to entering the event― being unenthusiastic― decreases. From the way I behaved before and during the event changed my attitude.
