THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AUTONOMY, PERFECTIONISM, AND ENGLISH ACHIEVEMENT AMONG IRANIAN MALE AND FEMALE HIGH SCHOOLSTUDENTS

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between Foreign Language learners’ (EFL) autonomy, perfectionism, and English language achievement among third grade high school students in Northern Tehran. A sample of 400 students (187 males, and 213 females) was assessed for their levels of autonomy and perfectionism using Autonomy Questionnaire and APS-R, respectively. Participants' scores on their final English test were also used as the measurement of their English achievement. The results revealed strong correlations between learners’ autonomy and English achievement (r = .406, p < .01). It meant that the respondents with higher foreign language autonomy were likely to have higher English scores. Also, perfectionism was found to be negatively correlated with English achievement (r = -.064, p < .01).At last, gender differences were significantly correlated to learner autonomy, perfectionism and English achievement.

Keywords:

Autonomy , Perfectionism , English Achievement , Gender