A PROPOSED MODEL FOR THE ACQUISITION OF SOCIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SOCIAL COMPETENCE

This paper presents (a) a review of approaches to social intelligence; (b) a model of the acquisition of social knowledge; and (c) a model o f the use of that social knowledge. Social intelligence is an importan t area receiving increasing attention. Numerous labels and description s have evolved to portray social intelligence. This paper highlights t he importance of social knowledge exclusive of social skill or social competence. Social knowledge, defined as knowledge about oneself, as w ell as procedural knowledge of scripts, schemas, and prototypes, is id entified as an essential component of skilled social performance. The role of environment, physiology, and information-processing factors in the acquisition and use of social knowledge are discussed. The role o f social knowledge and motivation in social performance are also addre ssed. A case is made for the development of assessment tools to assist in the identification of social knowledge.