INFLUENCE OF SELECT COGNITIVE AND NON COGNITIVE VARIABLES ON PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITY IN PHYSICS AMONG HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to find out the influence of select cognitive and non-cognitive variables on problem solving ability in physics among higher secondary school students. The sample for the study included 781 higher secondary school students from 15 higher secondary schools across five districts of Kerala selected through random sampling technique. The students were surveyed using Logical Mathematical Intelligence Test, Scale of Meta-cognitive awareness in Physics, Achievement Motivation Scale, Social Competence Scale and Problem Solving Ability Test in Physics. The major statistical techniques used were Test of significance of difference between means (t test), Pearson’s r, ANOVA and Multiple regression analysis. The investigator could find significant difference between male and female higher Secondary School Students in their Logical Mathematical Intelligence, but no significant difference between male and female higher Secondary School Students in their Meta-cognitive Awareness in Physics, Achievement Motivation, Social Competence and Problem Solving Ability in Physics. Based on locale, higher secondary school students showed significant difference in their Logical Mathematical Intelligence, Meta-cognitive Awareness in Physics, Achievement Motivation, Social Competence and Problem Solving Ability in Physics. The study also highlighted significant correlation between different cognitive and non cognitive variables and problem solving ability. It was also found that Logical Mathematical Intelligence, Meta-cognitive Awareness in Physics, Achievement Motivation and Social Competence jointly contribute significantly in predicting Problem Solving Ability in Physics of higher Secondary School Students.

Key terms: Cognitive variable, Non cognitive variable, Logical Mathematical Intelligence, Meta cognitive awareness in Physics, Achievement Motivation, Social Competence, Problem Solving Ability in Physics