An analysis of gender related differences in performance and attitudes of participants in the 1997 UCT Mathematics competition

In this study, possible gender differences in and attitudes towards mathematics will be investigated. As a sample, the candidates taking part in the individual competition in the University of Cape Town Mathematics Competition will be used. This sample has been chosen since it appears that even though the gender related differences in performance that are reported are often very small, the differences are often more apparent at the upper end of the ability scale. Since the University of Cape Town Mathematics Competition attracts entries from candidates of wide ranging ability, a number of investigations can be done. The investigations that will be carried out. included statistical analyses of a number of different categories in mathematics (algebra, arithmetic, geometry and problem solving), various sub-categories and special categories; questions that have been repeated in more than one question paper will also be investigated for any patterns in performance (in terms of maturity in mathematics). Since learners engaging in mathematical activities (including participating in mathematics competitions) are affected by external and internal influences on their perception and attitudes towards mathematics, it was felt that an investigation into the relationship between performance in mathematics and attitudes towards mathematics was important. Gender related differences in attitudes towards mathematics will also be investigated. The results of this study will show that, where statistically significant differences in performance exist, these differences are in fact very small. The results of the attitudes questionnaire demonstrate that there is a statistically significant correlation between attitudes and performance in mathematics and that there exists small, yet statistically significant differences in attitudes towards mathematics.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics

Year dc:date.issued

1998

Author dc:creator

• Tucker, Diane Jean

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Webb, J H

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/17444

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/17444