ERIC Number: EJ996207
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Nov-18
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1088-7423
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Social Comparison Seeking: Providing General Comparison Curtails Local Comparison
Buckingham, Justin T.; Zell, Ethan; Schurtz, David R.
Current Research in Social Psychology, v20 n5 p58-66 Nov 2012
Past research shows that people use local social comparison information more than general social comparison information when both are given (Zell & Alicke, 2010). The present studies examined the extent to which people seek local comparisons when they have already received general comparison information. In Study 1, students received their exam grades and were either told or not told the average score. In Study 2, laboratory participants received feedback indicating favorable, unfavorable, or no information about general standing. Both studies showed that participants were more interested in local comparison with peers when they lacked information about general standing. (Contains 1 table and 1 endnote.)
Descriptors: Feedback (Response), Comparative Analysis, Tests, Student Attitudes, Scores, Peer Relationship, Social Status, Academic Achievement, College Students, Psychology, Introductory Courses
Center for the Study of Group Processes. Available from: University of Iowa, Department of Sociology. Iowa City, IA 52242. Tel: 319-335-2503; Fax: 319-335-2509; Web site: http://www.uiowa.edu/~grpproc/crisp/crisp.html
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Maryland
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A