Abstract:

Dimensional comparison, which is another important comparison type following social comparison and temporal comparison, refers to the process in which a single individual compares his or her ability in a target domain with that in a standard domain. Dimensional comparison predicts contrast effects when the “far comparisons” between different domains are triggered, and assimilation effects for the “near comparisons”. Although dimensional comparison and social comparison significantly influenced self-concept, social comparison exerted a stronger effect than dimensional comparison. Future research of dimensional comparison should expand its application domains, strengthen its integration with other comparison types, and improve its research methods.

Key words: dimensional comparison, internal/external frame of reference model, contrast effects, assimilation effects, self-concept