Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

6-1978

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Major

Educational Psychology and Guidance

Major Professor

Robert L. Williams

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine what classroom behaviors (Task Relevant, Verbalization, Aggressive, Noise Making, and Social Conduct) are predictive of self concept in fourth grade students. Subjects for the study were 30 students, 15 boys and 15 girls, ranging in age from nine to ten years. Two undergraduate college students trained in behavioral observation techniques observed the classroom behavior daily for 30 minutes. During this time students worked on scheduled English assignments. A time sampling technique was utilized to collect data on task related (on-off), disruptive behavior (verbalization, aggressive, noise making) and social conduct. A frequency count was used in tabulating teachers' negative and positive comments. Acceptable inter-observer reliabilities (85 percent agreement) were achieved under training conditions, at the beginning, mid-point, and end of the study. At the end of the observation period, the Piers Harris Children's Self Concept Scale (CSCS) was administered to determine self concept. The basic design used to analyze the data was the mu]tip]é linear regression analysis technique. Line graphs were used to illustrate the relationship between ongoing behaviors and self concept. The study demonstrated that several classroom behaviors are predictive of self concept in an educational setting. Specifically, the following behaviors were significantly related to self concept: on task behavior, inappropriate social conduct, and aggressive behavior. In contrast the following additional behaviors were not significantly related to self concept: off task behavior, appropriate social conduct, verbalization, and noise making. The combination of variables which are the best predictors of self concept include the following: on task behavior and inappropriate social conduct; and on task behavior and aggressive behavior.

Download
Files over 3MB may be slow to open. For best results, right-click and select "save as..."

Share

COinS