AAMC FL Practice Exam

What refers to the concept of being authentic and relaxed in one's behavior, typically contrasting public and private personas?

1. Back stage self

2. Cultural transmission

3. Culture lag

4. Context effects

The correct answer is: Back stage self

The concept being described is indeed closely related to the idea of the "back stage self." This term originates from sociologist Erving Goffman's theories about social interaction, particularly the difference between one’s public persona, or "front stage," and the more genuine, relaxed version of oneself that one exhibits in private settings, or "back stage." In the back stage, individuals feel free to relax and express their true selves, away from the expectations and judgments of the social world. This contrasts sharply with the behavior people exhibit when they are in the public eye, where there is a tendency to perform and adhere to social norms. Consequently, the term highlights the importance of authenticity and the dichotomy between how individuals present themselves socially versus how they behave in more intimate or private contexts. The other options provided relate to different concepts. Cultural transmission pertains to how cultural beliefs and practices are shared across generations, culture lag describes the time it takes for a culture to adjust to new innovations or changes, and context effects refer to how the context in which information is presented can influence perception or behavior. Thus, while these terms are relevant in their own rights, they do not encapsulate the idea of authenticity in the same way that the back stage self does.