Examining the relationship between abstract thinking ability and academic performance in object oriented programming : a psychometric and theoretical analysis of student capacity

Abstract

Abstract reasoning involves flexible thinking as well as solving problems creatively and logically. Evidence suggest that especially first year students that undertake Information Technology studies at institutions of higher education, find it challenging to successfully comprehend concepts regarding object oriented programming (OOP). This study is based on the hypothetical premise that student performance regarding OOP can be linked to the abstract thinking ability of the particular student because of the highly abstract nature of OOP concepts. A comparison between psychometric test results gauging abstract thinking abilities of students and student performance in OOP are also presented and argued.