Problem Solving Ability of the Adolescents in Relation to their Interest in Science

Abstract

Problem solving forms an important ingredient of all scientific disciplines and it also constitutes an integral part of mathematics and science programmes at all level of studies viz. primary, secondary and upper secondary, almost everything that an individual does involves problem solving which is directed towards achieving a goal. The present study was designed to seek answers to three questions viz. whether there exist difference in problem solving ability and interest in science among boys and girls, and whether there exist any correlation between problem solving ability and interest in science. The results indicate that there is no significant difference in problem solving ability of girls and boys. The results also show that the difference in interest in science of girls and boys is significant. The coefficient of correlation between the problem solving ability and interest in science of the adolescents was found to be 0.494 which was found significant at 0.01 level of significance in the study.