Figure 4 shows the correlation between postcourse pscale and exam score for each student. There is a very weak correlation between pscalepost and the exam scores: the correlation coefficient=0.17and the nonparametric Spearman- ρ coefficient=0.14. A similar weak correlation is found betweenpscalepre and the final grade: the correlation coefficient=0.14 and Spearman- ρ coefficient=0.11.
FIG. 4.
The correlation between pscale at the end of the semester and the exam score, wherepscale=(expansive−limiting)/(expansive+limiting).
It is important to note that these are correlations and not necessarily causations. From these data alone it is not possible to conclude that if students develop stronger problem-solving approaches there is a slightly increased chance they will do well in the course, or whether those who do better in the exams