John Benjamins Publishing Company
Construing and constructing others
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Mark Snyder
Abstract
When individuals (as perceivers) hold expectations about other people (as targets), they can elicit from these targets behaviors that are consistent with their expectations, even if these expectations are independent of the target’s real characteristics. In this paper, we consider the role that this phenomenon, known as behavioral confirmation, plays in shaping the social perceptions of perceivers, targets, and outside observers. As well, we address the value of laboratory research on behavioral confirmation for understanding the dynamics and outcomes of social interactions in naturally occurring settings. Building on these considerations, we then examine the role of behavioral confirmation phenomena in shaping intergroup relations, with particular reference to delineating conditions in which such phenomena serve to preserve these relations. Based on this analysis, we suggest that dyadic confirmation phenomena are likely to occur in naturally occurring settings and may contribute to the maintenance and perpetuation of social stereotypes and societal structures.
Abstract
When individuals (as perceivers) hold expectations about other people (as targets), they can elicit from these targets behaviors that are consistent with their expectations, even if these expectations are independent of the target’s real characteristics. In this paper, we consider the role that this phenomenon, known as behavioral confirmation, plays in shaping the social perceptions of perceivers, targets, and outside observers. As well, we address the value of laboratory research on behavioral confirmation for understanding the dynamics and outcomes of social interactions in naturally occurring settings. Building on these considerations, we then examine the role of behavioral confirmation phenomena in shaping intergroup relations, with particular reference to delineating conditions in which such phenomena serve to preserve these relations. Based on this analysis, we suggest that dyadic confirmation phenomena are likely to occur in naturally occurring settings and may contribute to the maintenance and perpetuation of social stereotypes and societal structures.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Foreword vii
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Articles
- Of minds and mirrors 1
- How minds and selves are made 17
- Dynamics of social coordination 31
- Construing and constructing others 47
- The self and identity negotiation 61
- Social reality makes the social mind 75
- How to do things with logical expressions 91
- Attributions and peer harassment 105
- The shaping of individuals’ mental structures and dispositions by others 117
- Ostracism 131
- Self processes in interdependent relationships 147
- Constructing perspectives in the social making of minds 163
- The shaping of animals’ minds 179
- Chimpanzees are sensitive to some of the psychological states of others 197
- The understanding of own and others’ actions during infancy 211
- Experiencing contingency and agency 227
- The social construction of the cultural mind 241
- File Change Semantics for Preschoolers 259
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Foreword vii
-
Articles
- Of minds and mirrors 1
- How minds and selves are made 17
- Dynamics of social coordination 31
- Construing and constructing others 47
- The self and identity negotiation 61
- Social reality makes the social mind 75
- How to do things with logical expressions 91
- Attributions and peer harassment 105
- The shaping of individuals’ mental structures and dispositions by others 117
- Ostracism 131
- Self processes in interdependent relationships 147
- Constructing perspectives in the social making of minds 163
- The shaping of animals’ minds 179
- Chimpanzees are sensitive to some of the psychological states of others 197
- The understanding of own and others’ actions during infancy 211
- Experiencing contingency and agency 227
- The social construction of the cultural mind 241
- File Change Semantics for Preschoolers 259
