Question

What theory dictates that individuals form perceptions of themselves based on personal characteristics and memberships in social categories?

a) Self-efficacy theory
b) Social comparison theory
c) Self-perception theory
d) Social identity theory

Answer 1

The theory that individuals form perceptions of themselves based on personal characteristics and group memberships is Social identity theory.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theory that dictates individuals form perceptions of themselves based on personal characteristics and memberships in social categories is d) Social identity theory. This theory suggests that people's sense of who they are is based on their group memberships. Groups give us a sense of social identity: a sense of belonging to the social world. Social identity theory was developed by Henri Tajfel and John Turner in the 1970s to understand the psychological basis of intergroup discrimination.

Going back to the options provided:

• Self-efficacy theory (a) is an individual's belief in their own capabilities to complete tasks and achieve goals.
• Social comparison theory (b) is how people determine their own social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others.
• Self-perception theory (c) suggests that individuals form their own attitudes and emotions by observing their own behavior and concluding what attitudes must have caused it.