The Predictive Validity of Subscales of an Academic Self-Concept Measure Administered Nine Semesters Prior to Acquisition of Criterion Data Reflecting School Achievement

Abstract

In a longitudinal investigation with an initial sample of 179 seventh grade students (90 girls and 89 boys) on whom data were collected at the end of the first three semesters, at the termination of the next four semesters (N = 147), and at the conclusion of the following two semesters (N = 141), predictive validity coefficients of five subscales of the Dimensions of Self-Concept (DOSC), Form S were ascertained relative to total grade point average (GPA) and to the GPA earned in each of several academic subjects during each of three periods of enrollment. Although not showing quite so high validity coefficients as those realized for subtests from a standardized achievement test battery, four of the five DOSC subscales afforded promising predictive validities-especially the one entitled Level of Aspiration. Additional validity data for the DOSC in relation to the last two semesters of high school work (twelfth grade) will be reported in the near future.

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References

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