Which type of comparison involves evaluating one's performance against their own past performances?

The chosen answer, temporal comparison, is correct because it specifically refers to the process of assessing one’s current performance in relation to their own past performances. This type of comparison allows individuals to measure progress over time, providing a sense of personal growth or decline based on their historical achievements or outcomes. By reflecting on personal experiences and outcomes from different points in time, individuals can better understand their development and set future goals.

In contrast, social comparison involves evaluating one's abilities or achievements against those of others. This type of comparison can affect self-esteem and motivation based on how one measures up to peers. Reference group comparison is a subtype of social comparison that specifically examines performance against a particular group with which a person identifies. Absolute comparison, on the other hand, focuses on evaluating performance without a comparative context, looking at objective metrics rather than drawing from personal historical data. Thus, temporal comparison is distinct in its emphasis on the individual's own past as a benchmark for evaluating current performance.