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Social Comparison Theory

Questions

Question

In this scene you are able to hear the thoughts of one of the characters. Briefly describe how her thoughts reflect her use of social comparison theory.

Student responses should describe how one young woman is assessing her own skills and talents against her perception of another woman in the scene who says she is auditioning for the same dramatic role.

Question

One of the characters in this scene uses social comparison theory to arrive at some positive comparisons. Describe a specific example of her evaluating herself more positively than another.

One of the characters in this scene uses social comparison theory to arrive at some positive comparisons. Describe a specific example of her evaluating herself more positively than another.

Student responses should describe the young woman thinking that she is a “better fit” for “the bubbly sister part” as she is “more approachable” and/or that the other woman “doesn't seem all that athletic” and that the part calls for a “cartwheel” and she’s “got that down.”

Question

One of the characters in this scene uses social comparison theory to arrive at some negative comparisons. Describe a specific example of her evaluating herself more negatively than another.

One of the characters in this scene uses social comparison theory to arrive at some negative comparisons. Describe a specific example of her evaluating herself more negatively than another.

Student responses should describe the young woman thinking that the “Lipstick girl” can sing and has more experience. She also perceives that “the mystery girl” leaving her audition seems very confident and wonders if she is as “well-prepared.”

Question

In this scene we only hear the thoughts of one of the characters. Explain whether or not it is likely that other characters in the scene are using social comparison theory.

Student answers should indicate it is highly likely that the other characters are also using social comparison theory to assess how their own skills, talents, appearances, preparations, and confidence measure against others auditioning for the same role.

Question

Briefly explain how the thoughts of this character could be inaccurate and therefore make her social comparison flawed.

Student responses should suggest that the character has very limited knowledge of the others and therefore cannot know for certain that the “lipstick girl” is less athletic or that the “mystery girl” is more prepared then she is. These are examples of assumptions she is making based on her own perceptions, which can easily be wrong.