The similarity hypothesis: a test of the moderating role of social comparison orientation

The purpose of the present experiment was to demonstrate how the classical similarity hypothesis (Byrne, 1971; Festinger 1954) can be moderated by an individual difference variable called social comparison orientation (Gibbon s & Buunk, 1999). This variable distinguishes people who exhibit different degrees of uncertainty about reality and self-knowledge. Based on prior stu dies on ability and opinion comparisons, we predicted that attitudinal simi larity would not affect interpersonal attraction in high-comparison orienta tion individuals. Because of uncertainty and confusion about their self-kno wledge, these people should be attracted to both similar and dissimilar oth ers. In contrast, we expected an effect of attitude similarity in low-compa rison orientation individuals because they, do not exhibit this type of unc ertainty. They should be only attracted to similar others who agree with th em. The results confirmed this prediction and suggested some directions for future studies. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.