Levels of General Reasoning Among Students of Primary Schools, Grade Six, in Riyadh: A Comparative Study

Abstract

This study aims to study the levels of general reasoning, and differences between males and females. It examines the conformity of the model of relations between the inferential cognitive components to the research data.  The population of the study consists of (184) grade 6 primary school students, (127) males and (57) females, who were given the general inference test (designed by French et al. and translated by Sheikh, et al (1996)) after testing its validity and reliability. The data were analysed using t-test to measure the standard deviation.  Results showed that the general inference (total score) and sub-dimensions was average, except for females’ Arithmatic Aptitude which was large. Results also showed significant differences (P=0.01) in general reasoning, Arithmatic Aptitude, Mathematics Aptitude and Basic Arithmatic Operation between males and females, inclining to girls. The results also showed conformity of the model of relations between the inferential cognitive components to the research data. Then the results were discussed and recommendations were suggested.