A contrast effect occurs when an individual's characteristics are compared with those of others who have been recently encountered and who rank higher or lower on the same characteristics.

Contrast Effect

Occurs when the meaning of something that takes place is based on a contrast with another recent event or situation.

Compared

The act of evaluating two or more items, ideas, or individuals to identify similarities, differences, or relative merits.

Recently Encountered

Recently encountered refers to something or someone that has been discovered, met, or dealt with in the near past.