ORBIS SCHOLAE
ORBIS SCHOLAE

Oznamujeme autorům a čtenářům, že po dohodě s nakladatelstvím Karolinum bude od roku 2024 (ročník 18) časopis Orbis scholae vycházet pouze v elektronické podobě.

Orbis scholae je odborný recenzovaný časopis zaměřený na problematiku školního vzdělávání v jeho širších sociokulturních souvislostech. Cílem časopisu je přispět k porozumění školnímu vzdělávání a jeho rozvoji, k řešení problémů praxe a vzdělávací politiky.

Časopis je zařazen do databází SCOPUS, CEEOL, DOAJ, EBSCO a ERIH Plus.

ORBIS SCHOLAE, Vol 12 No 2 (2018), 125–140

Demonstration of Simpson’s Paradox in PISA 2015 Data: Confusing Differences between Boys and Girls

Gašper Cankar

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14712/23363177.2018.296
zveřejněno: 25. 01. 2019

Abstract

This paper explores the occurrence of a Simpson’s paradox in PISA 2015 science literacy data. Simpson’s paradox, a case of contradicting interpretations when results are analysed by groups or aggregated as a whole, has both a practical and an academic significance. It is an interesting phenomenon that is far from theoretical and when it happens, it has profound effects on the interpretation and if left unidentified can cause confusion and misunderstanding. This paper demonstrates best ways to detect Simpson’s paradox through appropriate tables and graphs. Actual occurrences of a Simpson’s paradox and conditions leading to them are explored using PISA 2015 gender differences in science literacy data in five central European countries − Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia. In countries where the occurrence of a Simpson’s paradox was detected, we provide correct interpretation of the results. Beside creating problems with interpretation an occurrence of a Simpson’s paradox also provides new insight − it signifies that there is very different gender composition in different educational tracks which has important implications for the educational governance. We will discuss implications of these findings in context of Slovenian educational system.

klíčová slova: PISA; Simpson’s paradox; gender differences; educational tracks; governance

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ISSN: 1802-4637
E-ISSN: 2336-3177

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