Question

Each of the following is considered a part of a person’s self-concept EXCEPT: (A) the past self. (B) the ought self. (C) the future self. (D) self-schemata.

Short answer

D. self-schemata

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Concept of Self-Concept

Self-concept includes various perceptions and beliefs people have about themselves, which can be related to the past, present, or future.

Define Each Option

Consider what each option means: (A) The past self refers to who a person was in the past. (B) The ought self refers to a person's idea of who they should be. (C) The future self refers to who a person wants to become. (D) Self-schemata are cognitive structures that help people organize and interpret their experiences.

Identify the Odd One Out

Three of the options are temporal aspects of self-concept (past self, ought self, and future self), while one is a cognitive structure (self-schemata).

Select the Answer

Since self-schemata (D) is a cognitive structure and not a temporal aspect of self-concept, it is the correct answer.

Key concepts

Past Self

The past self refers to who a person was in the past. It includes all the memories, experiences, and events that have shaped and influenced how you see yourself today. Looking back at your past self can help you understand your growth and learn from previous experiences. It's about acknowledging your personal history and how it contributes to your current self-concept.

Ought Self

The ought self represents who you believe you should be. This concept often includes societal norms, roles, and obligations. It's heavily influenced by external expectations from family, friends, and society. The ought self can sometimes lead to internal conflict if there's a significant gap between who you are and who you feel you should be. Knowing your ought self helps in understanding the pressures and aspirations shaping your actions.

Future Self

The future self is essentially who you aspire to become. It involves setting goals, imagining the life you want, and planning for it. Your future self can act as a motivator, guiding your current actions and decisions to align with your long-term objectives. Visualization techniques and future planning can help solidify this concept and make it more achievable.

Self-Schemata

Self-schemata are cognitive structures. They help you organize and interpret your experiences. Think of them as mental frameworks related to aspects of your identity, like being an athlete or a student. These schemata influence how you process information and react to events. Unlike the temporal aspects of self-concept, self-schemata are about how you perceive and categorize your experiences here and now.