Comparison of proficiency levels of students with and without learning disabilities in data processing

In this research, a comparison of data processing learning domain proficiency levels between students with learning difficulties and their typically developing peers was aimed. Additionally, the impact of gender on achievement levels was examined. The study was conducted with 50 students, comprising 25 students with learning difficulties and 25 typically developing peers. All participants were third-grade students enrolled in elementary schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education. Students with learning difficulties and typically developing students were evaluated using a Data Processing Achievement Test consisting of 32 open-ended and multiple-choice questions, and their information was collected using a personal information form containing demographic data. The data collected through the achievement test were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test in the SPSS statistical software package. According to the analysis results, students with learning difficulties obtained significantly lower scores on the Data Processing Achievement Test compared to their typically developing peers. When the test scores of students were compared based on gender, no significant difference was found in either student group. The findings of the study were discussed within the relevant literature and theoretical frameworks, and recommendations were made for researchers.