Modesty Bias in Academic Self-Concept? Evidence From Three TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) Studies

• In Event: Reassessing International Assessments

Abstract

Social reference group effects like the Big-fish-little pond effect cannot explain the negative correlation between academic self-concept and achievement across nations. One alternative explanation is the “modesty bias” which claims that students from some – particularly Asian – cultures tend to disguise their private self-assessment in compliance with social modesty norms. Using three wave of TIMSS data, 2003 , 2007, 2011, we tested the modesty hypothesis by addition national average self-concept at predictor in a three-level hierarchical model. Results confirm a modesty bias to a certain extent, but the effect does not eliminate the negative self-concept/achievement correlation on country level.

Authors

• Inah Park, University of Michigan

• Kai S. Cortina, University of Michigan

• Kevin F. Miller, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor