Verbal and Math Self-Concepts: An Internal/External Frame of Reference Model

The purpose of this investigation is to examine empirical support for the internal/external (I/E) frame of reference model that describes the relation between Verbal and Math self-concepts, and between these academic self-concepts and verbal and math achievement. The empirical tests are based on all studies (n = 6,010; age range = 7–35+ years) that have employed the Self Description Questionnaire (SDQ), SDQII, or SDQ III self-concept instruments. The I/E model posits, for example, that a high Math self-concept is more likely when math skills are good relative to those of peers (an external comparison) and when math skills are better than verbal skills (an internal comparison). Consistent with the model and empirical findings, (a) Verbal and Math self-concepts are nearly uncorrelated with each other even though verbal and math achievement indicators are substantially correlated with each other and with the matching areas of self-concept; (b) the direct effects of math achievement on Verbal self-concept, and of verbal achievement on Math self-concept, are both negative. For inferred self-concepts based on the ratings of external observers, the external process seems to operate, but not the internal process. The findings demonstrate that academic self-concepts are affected by different processes than are the academic achievement areas they reflect and the inferred self-concepts offered by external observers.