Social comparison and satisfaction: Students' reactions after exam feedback predict future academic performance

摘要

These studies examined the relations among performance satisfaction, choice of social comparison targets, and subsequent performance in a classroom setting. Previous research has shown that comparison with high performers helps academic performance. In 2 field studies, this relation was moderated by satisfaction with initial performance. After learning their scores on the first exam of the semester, students indicated their satisfaction with the scores and performance level of someone with whom they would like to compare exams. Comparison with poor performers was beneficial when coupled with dissatisfaction. Dissatisfied students who preferred comparison with poor performers improved over the semester.