INTELLIGENCE AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN MATHEMATICS AT UNIVERSITY LEVEL: A STUDY OF STUDENTS’ BELIEFS

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The current study explored a possible association between students’ beliefs about their intelligence and academic achievement and compared gender differences in terms of these two variables. Methodology: The sample of the study comprised of four hundred and fifty (male and female) MSc mathematics students, randomly selected from seven public sector universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A scale developed by Dweck (1999) was adapted to collect data for this study. Academic achievement was measured through students’ previous examination scores. Findings: Findings of the study showed that male students believed more in ‘incremental’ intelligence and had significantly higher academic achievement as compared to their female counterparts. A significant relationship was found between students’ beliefs in ‘incremental’ intelligence and their academic achievement. Applications of the study: The study has important implications for teachers and academics in the subjects of science and mathematics. This study also has implications for policies planners and administration in terms of developing an understanding regarding the role of students’ beliefs about intelligence and academic achievement. The study could lead to new thinking about ways to work on the beliefs of students that could result in better academic achievement. The novelty of this study: The study could also lead to further studies regarding the role of gender in affecting incremental beliefs and academic achievement.