Self-monitoring describes an individual's ability to do what?

• A. Adjust behavior to external situational factors
• B. Be highly conscientious
• C. Be reserved and aloof
• D. Experience strong negative emotions

Answer: (A)

Self-monitoring describes an individual's ability to adjust behavior to external situational factors. People high in self-monitoring tune what they say and do to fit the setting, cues, and social expectations around them, shifting their presentation or actions as needed. This adaptability helps explain why they might act differently in a job interview versus a casual get-together. It’s not about being conscientious, which is about diligence and reliability; nor is it about being reserved or aloof, which reflects interpersonal style rather than situational adaptability; nor is it about experiencing strong negative emotions, which concerns emotional experience rather than how behavior changes with context.