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

相似性评估是比较过程的核心(MusSweeller，2003；MusSweeller，Rüter，&EpStude，2004；Suls，Martin，&Wheeler，2002)。本项目将调查迄今为止被忽视的对这些相似性评估的影响：空间距离。在人类环境中，空间距离和相似性之间存在着很强的相关性。高度相似的刺激通常位于较近的位置(高相似-接近)，而不太相似的刺激位于较远的位置(低相似-距离)。由于这种相关性，物体之间的空间距离(近距离与远距离)对相似性评估产生系统和可预测的影响，从而影响社会比较和评估。这个项目的目的是首先证明刺激之间的空间距离影响相似性评估。具体地说，相同的刺激在近距离时比在远距离时看起来更相似。此外，我将考察生态中相似和接近的共同出现作为潜在的机制。其次，该项目将展示距离/相似关系对评价的系统性影响。

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.