Investigation of the relationship of Dunning-Kruger effect with 8th grade students' academic achievement, moral maturity level and life positions in acid-base subject

ABSTRACT Investigation of the Relationship of Dunning-Kruger Effect with 8th Grade Students' Academic Achievement, Moral Maturity Level and Life Positions in Acid-Base Subject Meryem ÇETİN Master Thesis FIRAT UNIVERSITY Institute of Educational Science Department of Mathematics and Science Education Division of Science Education 2024, P: XII+96 The aim of this study is to examine the effect of psychological variables such as Dunning-Kruger Effect, Moral Maturity Level and Life Positions on the achievement of 8th grade students preparing for LGS exams on the subject of Acid-Base in the matter and industry unit of science course. The study was carried out in five different secondary schools in Solhan district of Bingöl province using relational survey model. A total of 610 students in different grade levels were included in the study on a voluntary basis. In the study, 'Pre-Test Assessment Questionnaire (PTAQ)' and 'Post-Test Assessment Questionnaire (PTAQ)', Moral Maturity Scale (MRS), Life Positions Scale (LPS) and Life-Based Achievement Test for Acid-Base Subject (LBT) were used to determine the Dunning-Kruger Effect (competence bias) of the students. In this study, the data obtained with the data collection tools were transferred to the SPSS package programme and descriptive statistics, clustering and t-test analyses and chi-square test were applied. As a result of the analyses, no significant relationship was found between the Dunning-Kruger Effect score and gender, while a significant relationship was found between the Dunning-Kruger Effect score and school type and grade level. In the study, a statistically significant relationship was also observed between Moral Maturity Level and Life Positions scores. Dunning-Kruger Effect score was not found to be related to Academic Maturity Level and Life Positions scores. According to the results of the statistical analyses, it was determined that the groups differed significantly in terms of self-evaluation. It was determined that the first group tended to underestimate themselves in pre-test predictions; the second group was the group that predicted their performance with the least error; the third group had a very positive perception of themselves and made predictions significantly higher than their actual performance; and the fourth group was the group with the largest difference between their predictions and the actual situation. The survey also showed that in the fourth quarter to the Above Average Effect of participants It was determined that the probability of having been exposed to the same was high. This situation, individuals perceive themselves above the group average and more may lead to daring behaviour. This effect can lead to participants overestimation and a tendency to take risks. may be the case. Otherwise, the group in the first quartile may have been exposed to the False Consensus Effect. is high. This situation indicates that individuals feel themselves at a lower level than the group average. perceive that others are not as talented as they are. beliefs in themselves. This effect can be seen in the participants' beliefs about themselves. can undermine their confidence and cause them to be less demanding. These two the combination of factors, requiring a certain level of skill a high concentration of individuals with low levels of competence in and individuals with high skill levels are found at lower levels. can lead to unexpected results, such as being found. Key Words: Dunning Kruger Effect, Competence Bias, Moral Maturity, Life Positions, Acid-Base