In 750-1,000 Words, Provide A Minimum Of Four Persona 642135
In 750-1,000 words, provide a minimum of four personal examples to illustrate impression management, social tuning, social comparisons, mindsets, intrinsic/extrinsic motivation, or causal theories
In 750-1,000 words, provide a minimum of four personal examples to illustrate impression management, social tuning, social comparisons, mindsets, intrinsic/extrinsic motivation, or causal theories. One example provided must address face to face versus written communication styles. Are there measures that can be taken when communicating nonverbally to improve self-presentation, impression management, attributional inferences, and cognitive biases? Each example provided should be based upon how your personal views were shaped by parents, teachers, friends, community, culture, etc. Each example should be supported by relevant research.
Use two to three scholarly sources to support your thinking, your textbook can be used as one of the resources. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
Paper For Above instruction
Impression management and social psychological theories play a significant role in shaping personal behaviors and perceptions in various social contexts. My personal experiences exemplify how these theories manifest in everyday life, influenced by interactions with family, friends, educators, and cultural surroundings. Through examining four specific instances, I can illustrate key concepts such as impression management, social tuning, social comparisons, and motivation, emphasizing how communication styles—particularly face-to-face versus written communication—impact self-presentation and social perception. Additionally, I will explore measures to optimize nonverbal communication to enhance impression management and reduce cognitive biases, supported by scholarly research.
Example 1: Impression Management in Academic Settings
During my high school years, I noticed that I would often modify my behaviors to present myself more favorably in classroom interactions, aligning with Goffman's impression management theory (Goffman, 1959). Specifically, I would dress neatly, participate actively, and avoid behaviors that might seem disruptive. My parents' emphasis on academic achievement and respectability shaped this approach, instilling the belief that maintaining a positive image was essential for social approval. Research indicates that individuals tend to engage in impression management to meet social expectations and enhance their self-esteem (Leary & Kowalski, 1990). This example underscores how parental values influence personal motivation for self-presentation, especially in educational settings where peer perception matters significantly.
Example 2: Social Tuning with Peers and Cultural Influences
In college, I experienced social tuning, whereby I unconsciously adapted my attitudes and behaviors to match those of my peer group. For instance, I adopted certain slang and attitudes popular among my friends to foster group cohesion. This aligns with the concept of social tuning, where individuals calibrate their social signals to match others, facilitating smoother social interactions (Wang et al., 2014). My community’s cultural values, emphasizing conformity and group harmony, influenced this behavior. Such social tuning often occurs to enhance likability and reduce social conflict, as supported by research demonstrating the importance of shared social norms in group integration (Chartrand & Bargh, 1999). Essentially, my cultural upbringing conditioned me to adapt in ways conducive to social acceptance, impacting my motivation to belong and be accepted.
Example 3: Mindsets and Motivational Influences
In my early career, I adopted a growth mindset, believing that abilities could develop through effort. This mindset was largely fostered by my teachers, who praised perseverance and learning from mistakes. According to Dweck’s (2006) theory of growth and fixed mindsets, such beliefs influence motivation and resilience. My intrinsic motivation to improve stemmed from internalized encouragement and cultural values that emphasized self-improvement. Conversely, a fixed mindset, often reinforced by external validation, can lead to performance anxiety and fear of failure (Dweck, 2006). This experience illustrated how external cues from teachers and cultural narratives shape internal mindsets, which in turn influence motivation and behavior.
Example 4: Face-to-Face Versus Written Communication and Nonverbal Measures
One notable experience involved my apprehension in communicating face-to-face versus writing emails. I found that nonverbal cues—such as eye contact, facial expressions, and body language—significantly affected my impression management in face-to-face interactions. For example, maintaining eye contact conveyed confidence, while avoiding it suggested uncertainty. To enhance self-presentation nonverbally, I learned to adopt open body language and active listening skills, which research shows can improve perceptions of credibility and likability (Mehrabian, 1971). Conversely, written communication lacks immediate nonverbal cues, often leading to misinterpretations; thus, incorporating clear language and emotive punctuation can mitigate such issues (Kiesler & Kuk, 1983). Recognizing these differences, I apply measures such as mindful body language and tone adjustment during face-to-face interactions to improve impression management and reduce cognitive biases. This aligns with research indicating that strategic nonverbal communication enhances social perceptions and reduces attribution errors (Burgoon et al., 2010).
Measures to Improve Nonverbal Communication in Social Interactions
To optimize nonverbal communication, individuals can practice mindfulness of their body language, facial expressions, and gestures to ensure they align with their intended message (Pease & Pease, 2004). Training in emotional intelligence also helps in reading others’ cues accurately, fostering better social tuning and reducing biases (Goleman, 1995). For example, maintaining appropriate eye contact, nodding, and mirroring gestures can signal attentiveness and empathy, thereby enhancing impression management. In written communication, adopting techniques such as clear, concise language, and appropriate emotive expressions (e.g., punctuation, emoticons) can compensate for the lack of nonverbal cues, improving perception and reducing attribution errors (Kiesler & Kuk, 1983). Overall, these strategies help mitigate misunderstandings, foster trust, and elevate the quality of social interactions across various communication mediums.
Conclusion
My personal experiences demonstrate that impression management and social tuning are deeply influenced by cultural and familial values. These theories impact motivation, self-perception, and social acceptance. Understanding the role of nonverbal cues and applying targeted measures to improve communication can significantly enhance one’s social interactions, reduce cognitive biases, and foster genuine connections. Supporting research underscores the importance of self-awareness and strategic communication in navigating complex social environments. By consciously employing these principles, individuals can cultivate more authentic and effective interpersonal relationships, ultimately enriching their social well-being and personal development.
References
- Burgoon, J. K., Guerrero, L. K., & Floyd, K. (2010). Nonverbal communication. Routledge.
- Chartrand, T. L., & Bargh, J. A. (1999). The chameleon effect: The perception–behavior link and social interaction. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 76(6), 893–910.
- Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
- Goffman, E. (1959). The presentation of self in everyday life. Anchor Books.
- Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence. Bantam Books.
- Kiesler, D. J., & Kuk, L. (1983). Effects of computer-mediated communication on impressions of self and others. Human Communication Research, 9(3), 366–378.
- Leary, M. R., & Kowalski, R. M. (1990). Impression management: A literature review and two-component model. Psychological Bulletin, 107(1), 34–47.
- Mehrabian, A. (1971). Silent messages. Wadsworth Publishing Company.
- Pease, A., & Pease, B. (2004). The definitive book of body language. Sheldon Press.
- Wang, Y., Ren, T., & Baldassarre, G. (2014). Social tuning occurs automatically and unconsciously. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 55, 134–141.