You get a C on your psychology exam. Given this scenario, describe and give an example of an upward comparison, a downward comparison, a temporal comparison, and a self-serving bias. Which of these comparisons would make you feel better about getting a C on your exam? Which of these comparisons would make you feel worse about getting a C on your exam?

For this given question, when a student have a Grade C, his first thinking is, if his peers also got the same grade.

He derives a satisfaction (self serving bias) by thinking that in this situation, many are in his shoes too. when he thinks about those that performed better and in an upper/higher level he feels they are always up there no matter the situation, and he tries to console himself.

For those in the lower level or downward comparison, he thinks he is better than them, so this thoughts of him motivates him, thereby having a sense of superiority over others.

Explanation:

When a student gets a grade C, the first thing in his mind are those who also got the same grade as him.

He wants to get a satisfaction by thinking that many are in same level as he is. When he thinks of those in the upper or higher level he notice that those who are in the upper level are always in the higher position. But he always tries to make the whole scenario to favor of him. he thinks that those who are in A and B grade should always perform better. But in regards to their position he does not think so.

Naturally there was no situation favorable in improve the grade.

Also, when he thinks of the lower level he thinks that he is in better position since many are in down in position. this encourages him and a sense of superiority over others works in this case.