Reducing the negative frame-of-reference effects on academic self-concept in academically selective schools

Abstract

Research in diversified settings and cultures showed that academic selective schools might have negative effects on students academic self-concept. The big-fish-little-pond-effect (BFLPE) posits that the same student will have a lower academic self-concept in an academically selective school than in a nonselective school. Using two large data sets (the international PISA study with 103,558 students and 1950 Chinese students in Hong Kong), we examined a wide range of motivational (e.g., goals, interest, self-regulated learning) and individual background (e.g., socio-economic status, familial support) to see whether they would moderate the BFLPE. Though not very consistent and strong, we found some supports that students self concept would be less negatively affected if they had stronger mastery goal and lower avoidance goals.