Abstract
Proposes a model of self-directed attention, which includes the following assumptions: When attention is directed to environmental stimuli, those stimuli are analyzed and categorized according to the person's preexisting recognitory schemas. Self-directed attention often leads to a similar analysis of self-information; experientially, such a state of self-focus enhances awareness of one's salient self-aspects. In some cases categorization--either of one's context or of some self-element--elicits a response schema, which constitutes a behavioral standard. If a prior categorization has evoked such a behavioral standard, subsequent self-attention engages an automatic sequence in which behavior is altered to conform more closely with the standard. This matching-to-standard is construed as the occurrence within a psychological system of a test-operate-test-exit unit or a negative feedback loop--a cybernetic construct applicable to many phenomena. If the matching-to-standard process is interrupted, subsequent behavior depends on an outcome expectancy judgment. A favorable outcome expectancy causes a return to the matching-to-standard attempt; an unfavorable expectancy results in behavioral withdrawal. (3 p ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1251-1281 |
| Number of pages | 31 |
| Journal | Journal of Personality and Social Psychology |
| Volume | 37 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 1 1979 |
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Keywords
- cybernetic model, self attention processes
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Psychology
- Sociology and Political Science
Cite this
A cybernetic model of self-attention processes. / Carver, Charles S.
In: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol. 37, No. 8, 01.01.1979, p. 1251-1281.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - A cybernetic model of self-attention processes
AU - Carver, Charles S
PY - 1979/1/1
Y1 - 1979/1/1
N2 - Proposes a model of self-directed attention, which includes the following assumptions: When attention is directed to environmental stimuli, those stimuli are analyzed and categorized according to the person's preexisting recognitory schemas. Self-directed attention often leads to a similar analysis of self-information; experientially, such a state of self-focus enhances awareness of one's salient self-aspects. In some cases categorization--either of one's context or of some self-element--elicits a response schema, which constitutes a behavioral standard. If a prior categorization has evoked such a behavioral standard, subsequent self-attention engages an automatic sequence in which behavior is altered to conform more closely with the standard. This matching-to-standard is construed as the occurrence within a psychological system of a test-operate-test-exit unit or a negative feedback loop--a cybernetic construct applicable to many phenomena. If the matching-to-standard process is interrupted, subsequent behavior depends on an outcome expectancy judgment. A favorable outcome expectancy causes a return to the matching-to-standard attempt; an unfavorable expectancy results in behavioral withdrawal. (3 p ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).
AB - Proposes a model of self-directed attention, which includes the following assumptions: When attention is directed to environmental stimuli, those stimuli are analyzed and categorized according to the person's preexisting recognitory schemas. Self-directed attention often leads to a similar analysis of self-information; experientially, such a state of self-focus enhances awareness of one's salient self-aspects. In some cases categorization--either of one's context or of some self-element--elicits a response schema, which constitutes a behavioral standard. If a prior categorization has evoked such a behavioral standard, subsequent self-attention engages an automatic sequence in which behavior is altered to conform more closely with the standard. This matching-to-standard is construed as the occurrence within a psychological system of a test-operate-test-exit unit or a negative feedback loop--a cybernetic construct applicable to many phenomena. If the matching-to-standard process is interrupted, subsequent behavior depends on an outcome expectancy judgment. A favorable outcome expectancy causes a return to the matching-to-standard attempt; an unfavorable expectancy results in behavioral withdrawal. (3 p ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).
KW - cybernetic model, self attention processes
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UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84949707920&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1037/0022-3514.37.8.1251
DO - 10.1037/0022-3514.37.8.1251
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84949707920
VL - 37
SP - 1251
EP - 1281
JO - Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
JF - Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
SN - 0022-3514
IS - 8
ER -