Predictive Validity of Scores in Mathematics for Reasoning Ability in Mathematics for Grade 9 Students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Based on Curriculum of Mathematics

Abstract

This study was aimed to find the predicative power of scores in mathematics paper in school based exam with the score in a test of mathematical thinking and different aspects of mathematical thinking according to their curriculum of mathematics. Additional gender wise comparison was also made. Data for this work was taken through school record and administration of test of mathematical thinking by the researcher. The specially developed test of mathematical thinking covered six aspects of thinking i.e. generalization, deduction, induction, problem solving, proofs and logical thinking. A survey method was adopted for this research with post positivist paradigm of research. A proportionate sample of 500 students was randomly selected. Statistical analysis was performed using regression and correlation techniques. The findings of this study shows that the score in the subject of mathematics during home exam was significantly correlated with the score on test of mathematical thinking overall and on separate scale as well for overall students and female students alone while this score was not consistent with the score in generalization and induction subscale for male students. Regression analysis shows that proofs and problem solving aspects of mathematical thinking were explaining the achievement of the students in the school based test more than their counter parts aspects of mathematical thinking. It was concluded that female students were showing inductive pattern while male students were deductive in their reasoning abilities.