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PSYC2061
Social Psychology
Dr. Williams
Social Comparison
Why do we compare ourselves with others?
We come to know ourselves by comparing ourselves to other people.
We compare ourselves to others to learn about our feelings, traits, and abilities.
According to Leon Festinger�s (1954) social comparison theory, we have a need to evaluate our opinions and abilities, to figure out our strengths and weaknesses, in order to have an accurate view of ourselves.
Why don�t we use objective criteria?
We will use objective criteria, when available.
How tall am I?; How much do I weigh?; How fast did I run?
But, there are many things about ourselves that don�t have objective criteria or measurements.
How attractive am I? How good of a cello player am I? Do I weigh too much? How empathic am I? How conservative are my political opinions? How smart am I?
Two Important Questions
When do we engage in social comparison?
With whom do we choose to compare ourselves?
When do we engage in social comparison?
We are more likely to engage in social comparison when
there are no objective standard to measure our attitudes and skills
we are uncertain about ourselves in a particular domain.
Example:
Suls & Fletcher (1983). Natural science publications authors thank fewer people than do social sciences authors.
Physicists & Chemists: 0.5; Psychologists: 1.2; Sociologists: 2.0. Why?
With whom do we socially compare?
Festinger (1954) -- With others who are more similar to us on the relevant dimension.
Gilbert et al (1995). We initially compare ourselves to everyone.
After quick assessment of how our performance compares to that of others�, we then decide how appropriate that comparison is
Appropriate = similar on attribute or dimension
Other reasons for social comparison
To motivate ourselves
To feel better about ourselves
For these reasons, we sometimes make different sorts of comparisons
Upward comparisons
more likely to motivate us to achieve more
Downward comparisons
more likely to make us feel better about ourselves
contrast principle, relative deprivation
Wheeler�s work on event-contingent diaries of social comparisons
Looks at social comparisons outside the laboratory, during everyday life.
Examines questions such as:
How often do we make social comparisons?
With whom do we make them?
How do they make us feel?
Rochester Social Comparison Record
Through what mode did you socially compare?
social interaction, visual, telephone, brief contact, daythought
On what dimension did you socially compare?
academic matter, personality, abilities, life style, social skills, physical appearance, wealth
With whom did you compare?
Close friend, ordinary friend, acquaintance, stranger, imaginary person, family member, oneself, famous person.
Rochester Social Comparison Record
Target sex
female, male, unknown
Similarity (Comparison dimension)
inferior <-> similar <-> superior
Feeling?
Just before comparison
Just after comparison
happy <-> depressed
discouraged <-> encouraged
Social comparison applied to groups
Within groups, we compare ourselves to others to establish status within groups
This explains why status hierarchies emerge so readily in groups
Not only do we compare ourselves to others, but we compare our groups to other groups
Also make upward and downward group social comparisons
Summary
We make social comparisons when we are:
uncertain about our opinions and abilities
we desire validation (information-seeking)
We choose to compare with:
others similar to us on dimension
But, we also socially compare:
to make ourselves feel better
in which case, we choose to compare downward
to motivate us
in which case, we engage in upward comparisons
Groups do it too
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| John Steinbeck |
It has always seemed strange to me... the things we admire in men, kindness and generosity, openness, honesty, understanding and feeling, are the concomitants of failure in our system. And those traits we detest, sharpness, greed, acquisitiveness, meanness, egotism and self-interest, are the traits of success. And while men admire the quality of the first they love the produce of the second. |