Predictive validity of the self report and inferred self with selected school-related variables

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of the self report and inferred self with regard to academic achievement, socioeconomic status, intelligence, social acceptance, social rejection, and behavior in school. Each of the variables were determined by the classroom teacher or counselor with the exception of the objective tests for achievement and intelligence. An attempt was made to determine whether inferred self or self report is the better predictor of self concept. Forty eight students in grades k through third grade were involved in the study and completed a self report instrument (Young Child's Self Concept Scale). Eight teachers, a counselor and the parents of the children involved completed the YCSCS as they felt that the child really felt about him/herself. Additionally a sociogram was completed for each group of students, socioeconomic status was determined and behavior of each child was rated. Grade point average was computed for each child and reading and mathematics scores were obtained from the Metropolitan Achievement Test.

The basic design used to analyze the data was the Pearson Product Moment Correlation. A multiple regression correlation was used to determine predictiveness of self report and inferred self. Tables are used to present the findings as well as narrative descriptions of significant relationships between both self report and inferred self. The study demonstrated that several variables are related to inferred self and self report. Specifically, it was found that the variables of behavior, grade point average, social negative and intelligence quotient were predictors of self report. Behavior, grade point average, socioeconomic status and social positive were predictors of teacher-inferred self. However, the teacher inferred had a much greater multiple regression correlation than did self report. Consequently, the salient point about the study is that teacher-inferred self seems to be an accurate measure of self concept.