The internal/external frame of reference model, big-fish-little-pond effect, and combined model for mathematics and science

Abstract

The aim of this study was to integrate 2 theories on academic self-concept—that is, the internal/external frame of reference (I/E) model and the big-fish-little-pond effect (BFLPE)—into a combined model. The rationale for the combined model is that the I/E model actually focuses on internal/dimensional comparison (e.g., a comparison between one`s own mathematics and science achievements) and the BFLPE focuses on external/social comparison (e.g., a comparison between one`s own mathematics achievement and one`s schoolmates`). The I/E, BFLPE, and combined models for mathematics and science were examined using multilevel analyses of 139,174 students in 4,231 schools in 27 countries. The results showed that the I/E model and the BFLPE fitted data well, and the combined model fitted data even better. The I/E model remained unchanged when the BFLPE was combined, suggesting distinctly differential roles of internal and external comparisons in constructing academic self-concepts. In addition, the combined model was examined for each country. The findings revealed that the predictions of the combined model were generally supported for data from most countries. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)