Qahmash, Ayman, Joy, Mike and Boddison, Adam (2015) To what extent mathematics correlates with programming : statistical analysis. In: 6th Annual International Conference on Computer Science Education: Innovation and Technology (CSEIT 2015), Singapore, 5-6 Oct 2015. Published in: GSTF Digital Library pp. 17-32.

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Abstract

Generally, mathematical abilities have a certain degree of importance in computer science education and a correlation between mathematics and programming, derived from small samples, had been suggested. However, our study investigates whether the correlation is statistically significant or not by analysing a large data set spanning nineteen years for two programming modules and two mathematics modules with syllabi which had undergone minimal changes. In this paper, a statistical analysis based on students’ performance has been used to determine the relationship between mathematics and programming in general and between two specific mathematics modules and two programming modules. Compared with small sample analyses derived from previous research, the large sample of 2,161 students’ grades in the present study indicates a positive moderate correlation that is statistically significant. The results also suggest that discrete mathematics correlates with introductory programming more than calculus whereas data structures could relate positively to student performance in calculus more than discrete mathematics.

Item Type:	Conference Item (Paper)
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education Q Science > QA Mathematics Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA76 Electronic computers. Computer science. Computer software
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > Computer Science Faculty of Social Sciences > Centre for Teacher Education (Aug 2017 -) Faculty of Social Sciences > Centre for Teacher Education (Aug 2017 -) > Centre for Professional Education (- Jul 2017 )
Journal or Publication Title:	GSTF Digital Library
Publisher:	GSTF-DL
Official Date:	2015
Dates:	Date Event 2015 Published
Page Range:	pp. 17-32
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Conference Paper Type:	Paper
Title of Event:	6th Annual International Conference on Computer Science Education: Innovation and Technology (CSEIT 2015)
Type of Event:	Conference
Location of Event:	Singapore
Date(s) of Event:	5-6 Oct 2015
Related URLs:	Organisation Publisher

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