Self-monitoring is defined as:

• A. The process of recording and analyzing others' behavior.
• B. A method of prompting others to monitor your behavior.
• C. A strategy that replaces a behavior with a similar one.
• D. The process of observing one's behavior patterns and interactions in social situations.

Answer: (D)

Self-monitoring involves observing one's own behavior patterns and interactions in social situations. By paying attention to when, where, with whom, and what triggers certain responses, a person records this information to see how their behavior aligns with their goals. This self-observation creates awareness, making it possible to adjust future responses—like choosing more appropriate ways to participate in conversations, stay on task, or manage impulse control—based on actual data from one's own experiences. It’s a process centered on the individual’s internal monitoring, not on watching others or having someone else track you, and it’s different from simply substituting one behavior without first understanding your own patterns.