The Relation between Spatial Distance and Similarity: Consequences for Comparisons and Evaluations

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Similarity assessments are central to comparison processes (Mussweiler, 2003; Mussweiler, Rüter, & Epstude, 2004; Suls, Martin, & Wheeler, 2002). The present project will investigate a so far neglected influence on these similarity assessments: spatial distance. In the human environment, there is a strong correlation between spatial distance and similarity. Highly similar stimuli are typically located close together (high similarity – proximity) and less similar stimuli are located far apart (low similarity – distance). Due to this correlation, the spatial distance between objects (proximal vs. distant) exerts a systematic and predictable influence on similarity assessments, and thereby social comparisons and evaluations. This project aims to first show that spatial distance between stimuli influences similarity assessments. Specifically, the same stimuli appear more similar when they are proximal compared to when they are distant. In addition, I will examine the co-occurrence of similarity and proximity in the ecology as underlying mechanism. Second, the project will show that the distance/similarity relationship systematically influences evaluations.