The process of learning about one's abilities and characteristics by observing how they compare with those of others is known as social:

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Social comparison involves the process of evaluating oneself by comparing oneself to others. It can involve either upward social comparison (comparing oneself to someone who is perceived to be superior in a particular domain) or downward social comparison (comparing oneself to someone who is perceived to be inferior in a particular domain).

The Process of Learning About One's Abilities and Characteristics by Observing