Naturalistic Observation of Social Comparison and Self-Esteem in Students

This project examines the relationship between social comparison and self-esteem among college students. The purpose of the study is to test whether students who engage in more visible social comparison behaviors also show lower observed confidence during studying. This is a naturalistic observational study that will take place in the McKeldin Library study area at the University of Maryland. Social comparison will be measured by counting the number of times a participant visibly compares themselves to others during a 5-minute observation period, such as looking at another student’s work or screen, comparing progress verbally, or showing visible gestures of comparison. Self-esteem will be measured using a 1–5 behavioral confidence rating based on observed behavior during the same period. It is expected that higher levels of social comparison will be associated with lower observed self-esteem. This study is being conducted for the University of Maryland’s Research Methods Laboratory in the Psychology Department (PSYC300).