Chapter 3 Objectives-5

Objectives

After studying the material in Chapter Three of Looking Out/Looking In, you should understand:

1. How the self-concept is defined.
2. How biological and social factors influence the self-concept.
3. How the self-concept is developed and shaped.
4. Problems involved with resisting change to the self-concept.
5. Influences on identity.
6. The role of self-fulfilling prophecies in shaping the self-concept and in influencing communication.
7. Differences between public and private selves.
8. The characteristics of and reasons for identity management in person and online.
9. The ways in which identities are managed.
10. The relationships between identity management and honesty.
11. The definition of self-disclosure and the role it plays in relationships.
12. Models of self-disclosure.
13. The benefits and risks of self-disclosure.
14. Guidelines for self-disclosure.
15. Alternatives to self-disclosure.
16. The ethics of evasion.

Specifically, you should be able to:

1. Describe the relationship between self-concept, self-esteem, and communication.
2. Explain how self-fulfilling prophecies shape the self-concept and influence communication.
3. Compare and contrast the perceived self and the presenting self as they relate to identity management.
4. Describe the role that identity management plays in both face-to-face and mediated relationships.
5. Use the social penetration and Johari Window models to identify the nature of self-disclosing communication in one of your relationships.
6. Outline the potential benefits and risks of disclosing in a selected situation.
7. Assess the most competent mixture of candor and equivocation in a given situation.