People not only use social comparisons to evaluate their abilities, they also engage in dimensional comparisons, comparing their own achievement in different domains. Processes of dimensional comparison have contrasting effects on subject-specific self-concepts: downward dimensional comparisons result in higher self-concept in the…

A study examined preservice practicum teachers' use of field-based research to assess their teaching so that they might learn the positive aspects and successful instructional strategies utilized with at-risk students during the practicum field placement experience. Subjects were eight preservice teachers enrolled in a reading practicum…