Imitation, Social Comparison, and Self-Reward

The influence of ability differences on children's imitation of modeled standards of self-reward was examined. Fifth- and sixth-grade children saw models perform on a pursuit-rotor apparatus and performed themselves. Children saw one of three models: adult-superior, peer-equal, or kindergartner-inferior. The children then saw the model self-reward using either a stringent or a lenient standard. Children who saw an adult-superior model lowered their standards, children who saw a peer matched the modeled standard, and children who saw an inferior raised their standards.