SELF-DEPRECATIVE TENDENCIES IN SELF EVALUATION THROUGH SOCIAL COMPARISON

Abstract

Three experiments based on Schwartz and Smith (1976) 's research were made, trying to explore the cultural differences of the process of self-evaluation. According to their findings, the greater the difference of performances between self and other, and/or the the smaller the variance in the other's performance, the higher is certainty about one's abillty level, regardless whether one is superior to the other or not. Experiment I failed to duplicate Schwartz & Smith's findings and showed strong self-deprecative tendencies in self-evaluation, however. Namely, the cartainty of self-evaluation was high when one is inferior to the other, regardless of the performance differences and the variance in other's performance. Experiment II also did not support Schwartz & Smith's hypothesis derived from the analogy with a t test for the difference of two means, in spite of the slightest situational implications for the srategic deprecating self-presentation. In experiment III, where subjects are to judge two others' ability level, the parametric metaphor hypothesis was supported. Implications of these findings for the strategic self-presentation and/or the self-evaluation processes through social comparison in Japanese culture were discussed.