This paper questions the claim that self-concept is a unitary trait which cannot be satisfactorily divided into discrete components. The authors suggest that molecular aspects of self-concept can be measured through the use of instruments specifically designed to tap distinct facets of self-concept. Data supporting this supposition are discussed in terms of recent findings with the Student's Perception of Ability Scale.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BanduraA.The self system in reciprocal determinism. American Psychologist, 1978, 33, 344–358.
2.
BoersmaF. J.ChapmanJ. W.Comparison of the Student's Perception of Ability Scale with the Piers-Harris Children's Self-concept Scale. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 1978, 49, 827–832.
3.
BoersmaF. J.ChapmanJ. W.MaguireT. O.Technical data on the Student's Perception of Ability Scale. Edmonton: Univer. of Alberta, 1979. (ERIC Documents Reproduction Service No. TM008 213)
4.
CampbellD. T.FiskeD. W.Convergent and discriminant validation by the multi-trait-multimethod matrix. Psychological Bulletin, 1959, 56, 81–105.
5.
ChapmanJ. W.BoersmaF. J.Academic self-concept in elementary learning disabled children: A study with the Student's Perception of Ability Scale. Psychology in the Schools, in press.
6.
GordonI. J.Test manual for the How I See Myself Scale. Gainsville, Fla.: Florida Educational Research and Development Council, 1968.
7.
MarxR. W.WinneP. H.Construct interpretations of three self-concept inventories. American Educational Research Journal, 1978, 15, 99–109.
8.
PiersE. V.Manual for the Piers-Harris Children's Self-concept Scale. Nashville, Tenn.: Counselor Recordings and Tests, 1969.
9.
ShavelsonR. J.HubnerJ. J.StantonG. C.Self-concept: Validation of construct interpretations. Review of Educational Research, 1976, 46, 401–441.
10.
WylieR. C.The self-concept. Lincoln, Neb.: Univer. of Nebraska Press, 1961.
