Upward Comparison: This refers to comparing oneself with someone who is perceived as being better in a particular area. For example, if you compare your political knowledge with someone who seems more informed and knowledgeable than you.
Downward Comparison: This refers to comparing oneself with someone who is perceived as being worse in a particular area. For example, if you compare your political views with someone who seems less knowledgeable or extreme than you.
Reference Group: A reference group is a set of individuals against whom we compare ourselves. In terms of political views, this would be the specific group of like-minded peers that influence an individual's beliefs and potentially contribute to the intensification of their views.