The Development and Preliminary Validation of Three Forms of a Self-Concept Measure Emphasizing School-Related Activities

Abstract

Subsequent to the presentation of a simple rationale for construction of a self-concept measure emphasizing five school-related constructs, the development and internal validation of three forms of the instrument entitled Dimensions of Self-Concept (DOSC) are described. For three samples of 479 elementary school pupils, 478 junior high school students, and 469 senior high school students in a large metropolitan school district, item-analysis data and factor-analytic information are presented for the three forms designed for students at three different educational levels. Intercorrelations of the scales and split-half reliability estimates are also cited. Covering hypothesized dimensions of level of aspiration, anxiety, academic interest and satisfaction, leadership and initiative, and identification vs. alienation, the three forms of the DOSC appear to offer considerable promise in providing information that would be useful to teachers and counselors in helping students in their cognitive and affective development.