The Relationship between Self-Concept and Academic Performance of Nigerian Students

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between self-concept and academic performance of Nigerian students. The study made use of 1000 participants (500 males and 500 females) whose ages ranged from 15-18 with a mean of 16.7 and a standard deviation of 1.12. The study used an indigenous self concept scale developed by Exile (1988) to assess the self concept of students while 20 questions pertaining to mathematics (5 questions) English or literary ability (5 questions) and current issues (10 questions) to measure academic performance. The study, which adopted a correlational design, posited two (2) hypotheses. They were tested using the Pearson product moment correlation statistic. Results indicated that significant differences were noted in the measurement of self-concept and academic performance of students. Equally, males were found to score higher than females on the measured items. Implications for these were given while recommendations were made to parents, teachers and ities on how best to improve students self concept and academic performance.



(IFE Psychologia (2002) 10(2), 20-27)