6. Self-affirmation

Question 1

What is self affirmation theory? (Dissonance Social)

Answer 1

Concerned with how many people are motivated to reaffirm a sense of personal integrity, when their integrity is threatened

Question 2

What has SAT suggested? (Dissonance Social)

Answer 2

People are motivated to deal with the threat that inconsistencies pose to the perception of self integrity

Question 3

What were Fein & Spence (1997) procedures? (Dissonance Social)

Answer 3

• All P’s shown a list of values
• P’s in self-affirmed condition asked to point out which value is of highest importance and why (to them)
• P’s in non self-affirmed condition asked to point out the least important value and why (to other people)
• P’s divided again into Jewish or non-Jewish condition
• Watch a recording of a job applicant candidate
• P’s make judgement on the candidates personality and suitability for the job

Question 4

What did Fein & Spence (1997) find? (Dissonance Social)

Answer 4

• Those in non-affirmed giving a better rating for non-Jewish candidate
• Self-affirmation condition showed no difference in ethnicity
• Affirmation can reduce prejudice effect