People use different strategies to communicate their selves to the social world. Which of the following statements is correct regarding self-presentation and self-expression strategies?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To start, let's lay out what the question is asking: identify the correct statement about self-presentation and self-expression strategies in how people present themselves to others.
Option A: 'Self-expression reflects a motive to construct a desirable impression of the self.' This is inaccurate because self-expression typically refers to conveying one's true thoughts, feelings, and identity, rather than primarily aiming for a desirable impression. The motive described here more closely fits self-presentation, not self-expression, so this option misattributes the motive.
Option B: 'Self-presentation reflects a motive to represent the true self-concept.' The idea of self-presentation is generally to manage others’ perceptions, often by presenting a favorable or strategic image, not necessarily to reveal the true self-concept. Therefore, this overstates authenticity as the central goal of self-presentation, making this statement incorrect.
Option C: 'Self-presentation reflects a motive to construct a desirable impression of the self.' This aligns with standard theory: individuals engage in self-presentation to shape how others perceive them, typically aiming to create a favorable or desirable portrayal. This is the correct conceptual explanation for self-presentation.
Option D: 'Both A and B are correct.' Since A misattributes the motive of self-expression and B misattributes the aim of self-presentation, both parts are not correct simultaneously. Therefore, this combined option is false.
In summary, A mislabels the domain of self-expression, B mischaracterizes the purpose of self-presentation, C accurately captures the motive behind self-presentation, and D incorrectly asserts that both A and B are correct. The contrast between self-presentation and self-expression is essential here: self-presentation centers on managing others’ impressions, whereas self-expression concerns articulating one’s inner states, which is not captured accurately by A or B.

PSYC20009_2025_SM2 Exam: Personality and Social Psychology (PSYC20009_2025_SM2)- Requires Respondus LockDown Browser

People use different strategies to communicate their selves to the social world. Which of the following statements is correct regarding self-presentation and self-expression strategies?

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