The concepts in this chapter aren’t necessarily difficult, but they do regularly trip up students nonetheless. The first part of the chapter dealing with self-concept is a gold mine filled with definitions. Once you accept that we all have a self-concept and that it varies in complexity, consistency and clarity, then you can move on to learn/memorize the various definitions in this part of the chapter. It also wouldn’t hurt to understand the tenets of social identity theory as well.

In the second part of the chapter, the concept of attribution theory has a conceptual twist in it. Essentially attribution deals with where (internal vs. external) we place blame or credit for the way we and other people behave. The three rules are harder to remember (consistency, distinctiveness, and consensus). These explain the basis upon which we determine where fault or praise lie – with the person or the situation.

The self-fulfilling prophecy is also tricky. I think students have difficulty remembering the steps in the cycle, because they fail to create their own personal examples. Do that, and you‘ll be able to answer any question relating to that cycle. Next, pay attention to the Johari window. This is a device meant to improve your self-perception and understanding about how others view you. You realize of course that how you see yourself is not the same way others see you right? If you accept that premise then understanding the Johari Window shouldn’t be too hard. The Johari window is nothing more than a box with four quadrants which are based on what you and others know and don’t know about you. Drawing a rough sketch of the window is sometimes helpful.