Tutorial 7 - Article 1 - New Directions in Social Comparison Research Flashcards
What is social comparison?
Relating one’s own features to those of others and vice-versa
What is the deal with comparison with others who are thought to be doing better?
It can be threatening, so it is also often avoided, instead, comparisons with those who are worse off may be sought
Why would people compare with others who are worse off?
To feel better about their own efforts and accomplishments
What is a modern perspective related to social cognition?
Social cognition is center stage in social comparison. One needs to examine what self-knowledge is accessible and how it is used to judge and evaluate the self
What is a modern perspective related to biopsychological focus?
Social comparison could be linked to psychological responses that may function as markers for implicit reactions during the comparison. OR trying to understand social comparison from an evolutionary perspective
What is a modern perspective related to individual differences?
Individual differences (such as self-esteem) are important in the extent to which people compare with others and in the way that comparisons are interpreted.
What is a modern perspective related to social identity theory?
Social comparisons are situated in a social context. The consequences of social comparisons depend on the relative group membership of the self and the standard.
