Work

Simpson’s paradox in mathematics grading: A case study of Serbian primary schools

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The paper presents an empirical study that examines the academic performance in mathematics of fifteen-year-old students at the end of elementary school in Serbia. In conducting the analysis, the student results of the national test and their mathematics grades were utilized. The study covers a seven-year period 2013-19 and over 440 thousand students. Empirical findings affirm that girls exhibit superior math grades and higher achievements in national testing. However, the occurrence of Simpson?s paradox indicates a grading bias favoring girls. The results further highlight that girls exhibit a notably higher interest in attempting to solve open-ended tasks, even when unsuccessful, in contrast to boys, who leave those tasks unanswered during tests more frequently. The qualitative component of the research involved a focus group comprising teachers. It was conducted to gain insights into the teachers? perspectives and experiences regarding the gender grading gap.

Source: Zbornik Instituta za pedagoska istrazivanja

DOI: 10.2298/zipi2501005v

Authors: Srdjan Verbic, Marija Kaplar, Zorana Luzanin, Dragana Trnavac, Branislav Randjelovic

Institutions: Metropolitan University, University of Novi Sad, University of Nis

Language: English

Topic: Mathematics Education and Pedagogy

Subfield: Applied Mathematics

Field: Mathematics

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Reduced inequalities, Gender equality

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Ministarstvo Prosvete, Nauke i Tehnološkog Razvoja