Identifying the Relationships Between Perseverance, Openness to Problem Solving, and Academic Success in PISA 2012 Turkey

Year 2017, Volume: 7 Issue: 1, 263 - 274, 01.04.2017

Ömer Kutlu Seval Kula Kartal Neslihan Tuğçe Şimşek

Abstract

In this study, the predictive roles of perseverance and openness to problem solving on success in
the lower and upper quartiles of score distribution are analyzed in scientific, mathematical, and
reading domains of PISA 2012 Turkey sample. Since their index values can’t be calculated due to
missing values, some students are excluded from the sample. The study sample is comprised of
3,190 students. Regression models in which perseverance and openness to problem solving are
predictive variables and success is response variable are formed for the lower and upper quartiles
of score distribution of each domain. Models are analyzed by quantile regression analysis. It is
found that there is a positive, medium level, significant relationship between perseverance and
openness to problem solving. The results of quantile regression analysis show that perseverance
predicts success better in the lower quartile of score distribution while openness to problem
solving predicts success better in the upper quartile of score distribution in all domains. Based on
these results, suggestions regarding classroom activities, assessment processes and feedback
given to students are discussed respectively.

Keywords

Students achievement, Perseverance, Openness to problem solving, PISA, Quantile regression analysis

Identifying the Relationships Between Perseverance, Openness to Problem Solving, and Academic Success in PISA 2012 Turkey

Abstract

In this study, the predictive roles of perseverance and openness to problem solving on success in the lower and upper quartiles of score distribution are analyzed in scientific, mathematical, and reading domains of PISA 2012 Turkey sample. Since their index values can’t be calculated due to missing values, some students are excluded from the sample. The study sample is comprised of 3,190 students. Regression models in which perseverance and openness to problem solving are predictive variables and success is response variable are formed for the lower and upper quartiles of score distribution of each domain. Models are analyzed by quantile regression analysis. It is found that there is a positive, medium level, significant relationship between perseverance and openness to problem solving. The results of quantile regression analysis show that perseverance predicts success better in the lower quartile of score distribution while openness to problem solving predicts success better in the upper quartile of score distribution in all domains. Based on these results, suggestions regarding classroom activities, assessment processes and feedback given to students are discussed respectively.

Keywords

Identifying, Relationships, Perseverance

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