Effects of dimensional comparisons on domain-specific interests in initial teacher education: A validation of the generalized I/E model

This study aims to provide empirical evidence for the generalized internal/external frames of reference (GI/E) model, according to which social and in particular dimensional achievement comparisons might affect subject domains and domain-specific interests for example in university. The study drew on N = 146 pre-service teachers' reports of their achievements at the beginning of their second semester and interest in their main subject and in educational studies in general at the end of that same semester. Structural equation modelling revealed that achievements were positive related to interests in the same domain. More importantly, achievement in specific subjects negatively was related to interest in educational studies, while achievement in educational studies was unrelated to interest in specific subjects. This pattern of relations indicates that dimensional achievement comparisons are more salient for subject-related studies than educational studies. Furthermore, the findings provide evidence supporting the theoretical assumptions of the GI/E model.