DOCUMENT RESUME ED 279 718 TM 870 163 AUTHOR Marsh, Herbert W.; Byrne, Barbara M. TITLE Verbal and Math Self-Concepts: An Extension of the Internal/External Frame of Reference Model. SPONS AGENCY Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, Ottawa (Ontario). PUB DATE [87] NOTE 26p. PUB TYPE Reports - Research/Technical (143) EDRS PRICE MF01/PCO2 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Academic Achievement; *Construct Validity; Correlation; Factor Analysis; Factor Structure; Grade 11; Grade 12; High Schools; High School Seniors; *Locus of Control; *Mathematical Models; *Mathematics Skills; *Self Concept; Self Concept Measures; Sex Differences; *Verbal Ability IDENTIFIERS Internal External Frame of Reference Model ABSTRACT The internal/external (I/E) frame of reference model defOribes relations among Verbal self-concept (VSC), Math self-concept (MSC), and corresponding achievement scores (VACH, MACH). In support of the model Marsh (1986) found that: (1) VSC and MSC were nearly uncorrelated; (2) the effect of VACH on VSC, and of MACH on M8C1-were positive: but (3) the effects of VACH on MSC, and of MACH on VSC, were negative (higher skills in one area lead to lower self-concepts in the other area). However, the support was limited to responses just to the Self Description Questionnaires by Australiaa subjects. In the present investigation the findings were replicated with each of three different self-concept instruments for responses by Canadian senior high school students. An extension of the original model to include school grades across all classes, school self-concept, general self-concept, and gender did not affect support for the I/E modal. However, this extension provided remarkably strong support for the specificity of multiple dimensions of self, and perhaps for the influence of sex stereotypes on academic self-concepts beyond what can be explained in terms of acadealic achievement. (Author) *********************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EARS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************c*************