Mathematical Aptitude and Mathematical Problem- Solving Performance

Three-Wave Panel Analysis

Abstract

The present study examined the directionality of causal relationship between mathematical aptitude and mathematical problem-solving performance. The sample of this study consisted of 480 eighth grade students drawn through random cluster technique from nine schools of Varanasi, India. Mathematical aptitude test and mathematical problem-solving test were administered on the selected sample at time T1, T2 and T3 with four months time lag. Using cross-lagged panel analytic procedure with three-wave, two-variables (3w2v), symmetric causal relationship was found between mathematical aptitude and mathematical problem-solving performance (i.e., mathematical aptitude precedes mathematical problem-solving performance and vice-versa). The result has been affected due to post hoc fallacy. The investigator can never rule out the existence of third variables that underlie the cross-lag correlations between these two constructs.