Frame of Reference Model of Self-Concept and Locus of Control: A Cross Gender Study in the United Arab Emirates.

A study tested predictions for I/E (internal external) frame of reference model and extended this model to include locus of control. A sample of upper elementary (n=181) and junior high (n=191) students in the United Arab Emirates participated in the study. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses provided support to the external comparison predictions of the I/E frame of reference model for boys and to a lesser extent for girls. Relations among achievement, self concept, and locus of control were not the same across gender. Mathematics self concept significantly predicted both internal and external locus of control only for girls. Verbal self concept failed to predict internal and external locus of control, but verbal achievement did not have such effects. The present study confirmed previous findings for the I/E model with western samples, thus adding more to the universality of the model. However, the findings relating achievement, self concept, and locus of control may need more investigation with some emphasis directed to the level of specificity at which each of the constructs was measured. Whereas self concepts were content specific, locus of control is generalized. The validity and reliability of locus of control in non-western settings should be investigated further to achieve more reliable and consistent results. (Includes two tables and one figure. Contains 77 references.) (BT)