Questions and Answers
What does self-esteem primarily reflect?
According to Carl Rogers, what is necessary for self-actualization?
How does the social comparison process help individuals?
What is a key characteristic of a person's ideal self?
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Which motivation describes the desire to improve one's self-image?
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What is the primary focus of downward social comparison?
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In social comparison theory, what role does the past play in temporal comparison?
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Which of the following best defines reference group influence?
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What is the main focus of upward social comparison?
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Which statement best describes a highly motivated person regarding social comparison?
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What is the purpose of engaging in downward social comparison?
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Who is likely to engage in downward social comparison?
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How do cultural perspectives influence self-evaluation processes?
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What is a likely result of frequent upward social comparisons?
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Which factor generally influences the choice of reference group in social comparisons?
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What is the psychology behind an individual preferring upward comparisons?
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What is passive downward comparison?
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How does self-evaluation differ from self-enhancement?
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What is the function of a reference group?
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What typically characterizes active downward comparison?
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Which of the following best describes self-enhancement?
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Which of these scenarios illustrates downward social comparison?
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What role does motivation play in self-evaluation?
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Why might someone engage in active downward comparison?
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Study Notes
Two Modes of Social Comparison
- Upward social comparison involves comparing oneself with individuals perceived as better, often motivating improvement.
- Motivated individuals typically engage in upward comparisons, aiming to see themselves as equal or better than the highest standard.
- Downward social comparison entails comparing with those who are worse off, which can enhance self-esteem and feelings of competence.
Types of Downward Social Comparison
- Passive downward comparison: Reflects on preceding conditions; for instance, a low-performing student compares with a worse-performing peer.
- Active downward comparison: Involves derogating others to elevate one’s own status, making oneself feel superior by diminishing the target's worth.
Self-Evaluation and Self-Enhancement
- Self-evaluation seeks to identify positive traits by assessing oneself against the best comparisons.
- Self-enhancement is about recognizing personal improvement areas to reach a level comparable to the individual one admires.
Reference Group
- A reference group serves as a benchmark for individuals evaluating their behaviors and self-perception.
- Sociological definitions frame it as any group utilized for self-assessment.
Self-Esteem
- Describes an individual’s overall self-worth and value, reflecting personal appreciation.
- Regarded as a stable personality trait, self-esteem tends to remain constant over time.
Real and Ideal Self (Carl Rogers)
- An individual’s ideal self may conflict with real-life experiences, creating a disparity between aspirations and reality.
- Carl Rogers posits that achieving self-actualization requires maintaining congruence between one’s real and ideal self.
Social Comparison (Leon Festinger)
- Temporal comparison evaluates one's current state against past selves, assessing growth or change over time.
- Social comparison involves measuring oneself against others, utilizing peers as standards for self-evaluation.
Social Comparison Process
- Involves assessing one's attributes and performances relative to others, influencing self-perceptions and motivations.
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Description
This quiz explores the concept of social comparison and its implications on self-perception. It examines how motivation influences whether individuals engage in upward or downward comparisons. Gain insights into the psychological effects and significance of these comparison modes.
