1. (consumer behavior definition) A reference group is one that the individual tends to use as the anchor point for evaluating his/her own beliefs and attitudes. One may or may not be a member and may or may not aspire to membership in a reference group; nevertheless, it can have great influence on one's values, opinions, attitudes, and behavi [..]

See reference sample group

A group of people available for advice, and expecting to be kept informed during project planning and implementation. [D01616]

The group one identifies with and looks to for standards of behavior, values, beliefs, and attitudes.

Concept which refers to a group with which another group or individual is compared. In sociology, a group that subjects use as a benchmark for evaluation of their own selves and behavior. See also: so [..]

The group of students with which the focal group is compared in a study of differential item functioning; often this is the largest group of students.

The group of students with which the focal group is compared in a study of differential item functioning; often this is the largest group of students.

A social group whose standards and opinions are used by an individual to help define or evaluate beliefs, values, and behaviors.