The grouping (identifying) of ones' self with a class (of stimuli) that is separate/different from another class 

Self-categories

What is produced by cognitive mechanisms: the entire functional property. The self is the conduit for the process and products that give rise to cognition.

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

It is an ordinary and normal experience to reduce experience from "I" and "me" to "us" and "we". The self then becomes defined in terms of other persons, instead of a singular, experiencing self. Sometimes the self identifies almost (if not) entirely with a class against another and is subjectively experienced through a social collective.

Self-categorization theory (Turner, Hoggs, Oakes, Reicher, and Wetherell 1987)

The self-concept refers to one's fundamental sense of identity. It is a mental representation of oneself that helps in interpreting ambiguous information, setting appropriate goals for oneself, and regulating one's thoughts and emotions.

Self-Concept

Turner, J. C., Oakes, P. J., Haslam, S. A., & McGarty, C. (1994). Self and collective: Cognition and social context. Personality and social psychology bulletin, 20(5), 454-463.

 Self and collective: Cognition and social context (Turner 1994)

The self (self-categorization theory)

Our self-concept serves as a reference point for inferring the qualities and behaviors of other individuals 

The Self as a Reference Point

Self-regulations are conscious and unconscious motivations and controlling actions that guide us towards achieving our personal goals. Some examples of these motivations include the need for consistent and accurate self, the desire to improve the self, and self-enhancement.

Motivations and Self-Regulation

Contains information pertaining to the conceptions of the self:
- Self-Concept
- Self-Esteem
- Relational Selves
- Self-Efficacy
- Self-Guides
- Self-Schema

Various Conceptions of Self

A well-developed, positive self-concept is essential for healthy psychological development. Children who possess one typically exhibit more confidence, achieve better results in school, act with greater independence, and show more willingness to try new activities.

Benefits of a Positive Self-Concept

Kenneth and Mamie Clark were influential psychologists who conducted the first psychological research ever used as evidence in a Supreme Court case. Their work focused on the psychological effects of segregation on children.

Kenneth and Mamie Clark

Read the following scenario and analyze the likely differences in Alex's and Ben's self-concepts. Explain how these differences account for their contrasting interpretations of the professor's feedback and their subsequent emotional and motivational responses.

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