A major concern facing special educators is how best to educate students with mild intellectual disability, and whether regular or special classes are appropriate. The big fish little pond effect (BFLPE) predicts that students with mild intellectual disability will have higher academic self-concepts when in a special class, whereas labeling theory predicts that placing these students in special classes will lower their self-concepts. This study addresses some of these issues by: identifying a psychometrically sound, multidimensional self-concept measurement instrument; critically examining the structure and nature of self-concepts; investigating the effects of regular and special class placement upon students’ self-concepts, social comparison processes, academic achievement, and stigmatisation; and evaluating the legitimacy of the BFLPE and labeling theory. Three studies were conducted on 211 students in years 2-6. The first study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Self Description Questionnaire I Individual Administration (SDQI-IA) and examined the structure and self-concepts of the sample, and results demonstrated that the SDQI-IA is a valid and reliable measure. The second study tested the BLFPE and labeling theory and results provided support for the BFLPE. The third study measured the self-concepts, social comparison processes and academic achievement of 39 students in different education placements, with results revealing that students moved to special classes reported higher academic achievement and more favourable social comparisons than their counterparts in regular classes / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/236832 |
| Date | January 2002 |
| Creators | Tracey, Danielle K., University of Western Sydney, College of Arts, Education and Social Sciences, School of Education and Early Childhood Studies |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Source | THESIS_CAESS_EEC_Tracey_D.xml |
Page generated in 0.0018 seconds