The predictive validity of scores obtained in first semester examination on performance in introduction to programming systems

Abstract
Introduction to Programming Systems is considered to be very difficult and has a very high average failure rate of between 30% and 40%. Some researchers have studied the characteristics of students who pass Introduction to Programming Systems without struggling and used those characteristics as predictors of success in Introduction to Programming Systems. This research studied the relationship between selected predictors (Calculus, Discrete Mathematics, Classic Mechanics and General Chemistry) and Introduction to Programming Systems. The study adapted a case study and correlation research design. A sample size of 399 was selected using a non-probability sampling method called convenient sampling. Data from only one university were used. SPSS’s Pearson correlation and multiple regression was used to analyse the collected data. The results showed that there is a positive correlation between the criterion (Introduction to Programming Systems) and the predictors. Multiple regression results showed that the ordinal strength of predictor was as follows: Calculus, Discrete Mathematics, Classic Mechanics and General Chemistry. Only General Chemistry had an insignificant effect on the criterion. The variation was 34 %.
Description
A mini dissertation submitted to the Faculty Of Education in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Of Master Of Education (Research Methodology) in the Department of Educational Psychology and Special Needs Education at the University Of Zululand, 2017
Keywords
programming systems --predictors --success --failure
Citation