Which of the following statements is true of social comparison?
Multiple Choice
Social comparison eliminates the ill effects of stereotype threats.
When engaging in social comparison, people try to act like others and lose their true identity:
Social comparison helps identify the distinctive characteristics of a person and aids in building an identity
Social comparison is an individual’s fast-acting, self-fulfilling fear of being judged based on a negative stereotype about their group
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Social comparison helps identify the distinctive characteristics of a person and aids in building an identity.
Explanation:
Social comparison theory, developed by psychologist Leon Festinger in 1954, describes how individuals evaluate their own abilities, traits, and characteristics by comparing themselves to others. This process can serve several functions, particularly in identity formation and self-assessment. By comparing ourselves to others, we gain insights into our own strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, which helps us build a more accurate sense of self.
Social Comparison and Identity Building:
The primary purpose of social comparison is to help individuals understand where they stand in relation to others, which contributes to self-concept development. People often compare themselves to others in similar situations (upward comparison) or those who are perceived as worse off (downward comparison). This comparative process can help people define their own identity, as they gain clarity about their distinctive traits, skills, and values. It also provides a sense of social belonging and validation by understanding how one fits into broader societal or group contexts.
Why the Other Statements Are Incorrect:
- Social comparison eliminates the ill effects of stereotype threats.
This is incorrect because stereotype threat refers to the fear of confirming negative stereotypes about one’s group, and social comparison alone cannot eliminate such fears. In fact, certain types of social comparison may even reinforce stereotype threats if individuals compare themselves to others who fit negative stereotypes. - When engaging in social comparison, people try to act like others and lose their true identity.
While some individuals may adopt behaviors or characteristics of others, the core purpose of social comparison is not to mimic others, but to assess oneself relative to others. Losing one’s true identity would only occur if an individual excessively values external comparisons over their own authentic sense of self. - Social comparison is an individual’s fast-acting, self-fulfilling fear of being judged based on a negative stereotype about their group.
This statement defines stereotype threat, not social comparison. Stereotype threat is the anxiety or fear experienced when individuals believe they are at risk of confirming negative stereotypes about their group, but this is a different phenomenon from social comparison.
In summary, social comparison plays a key role in identity formation, as it allows individuals to evaluate their own distinctiveness by comparing themselves to others, contributing to self-understanding and personal growth.