Profile of mathematical reasoning ability of female students based on self-efficacy

Abstract

Reasoning was an important aspect for solving the linear programming problems. Furthermore, the male students performed the spatial ability tests better than the female students. The female students solved the problem by creating a solution plan and looked at the keywords in the problem. This research used qualitative research. The subjects of this research were the of 11th grade of senior high school students taken by using purposive sampling. The techniques of collecting data used in this research were a linear program problem test and self-efficacy questionnaire. The research result revealed that the female students who had high self-efficacy in mathematical reasoning ability explained the use of models, facts, properties, relations to use pattern and relations to analyze the mathematical situation; provided an explanation about the models, the pictures, the facts, the natures, the relationships or the existing patterns; and did mathematical manipulations. In addition, the female students who had medium and low self-efficacy in mathematical reasoning ability were able to draw the analogy, the generalization and could use of pattern and the relation to analyze the mathematical situations and provided an explanation about the models, the pictures, the facts, the natures, the relationships or the existing patterns.