How general is the model? Analyzing the applicability of the internal/external frame of reference model to more than two school subjects

The Internal/External Frame of Reference model (I/E-M, Marsh, 1986) assumes that social (interindividual) and dimensional (intraindividual) comparisons of academic achievements have an impact on academic self-concepts. Dimensional comparisons are reflected in a negative path (contrast effect) from achievement in one subject (e. g. math) to self-concept in another subject (e. g. English). So far empirical tests of the I/E-M were primarily concerned with math and one's native language. We investigated the I/E-M with six subjects (math, German, English, physics, biology and history; N = 1632 students, 7th-10th grade) and found both - contrast and assimilation effects (positive path from achievement in one subject to academic self-concept in another subject). Further research should identify which factors moderate the outcome of dimensional comparisons (assimilation or contrast).