FRM/EDPD/621

CARIBBEANEXAMINATIONSCOUNCIL

CARIBBEAN SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE®

SCHOOL BASED ASSESSMENT

COVER SHEET FOR MATHEMATICS

NAME OF CENTRE: St Rose’s High School CENTRE CODE: 090046 YEAR OF EXAM: 2022

NAME OF CANDIDATE: CANDIDATE’S REGISTRATION NUMBER:

• Shabir Ahamad 0900460016

• Eddie Bobb 0900460067
• Josiah Hopkinson
• Destiny Simon 0900460679

TOPIC OF ASSIGNMENT: Statistics

TEACHER’S
PROJECT DESCRIPTORS PROFILE MARK
Project Title
- Clear and concise title that relates to a real-world problem (1 mark) K
1
Introduction
- Clearly stated objectives that relate to the title (1 mark) K
1
- Comprehensive description of the project (2 marks) C
2
- Detailed contents page with page numbers (1 mark) K
1
Method of Data Collection
- Clearly described and appropriate data collection method (2 marks) C
2
Presentation of Data
- Accurate and well-organised data that is genuinely obtained (2 marks) C
2
 - Clearly and logically presented
tables/graphs/diagrams/formulas/proofs, that are labelled correctly, C
used appropriately and reflect the data collected (2 marks) 2
- Accurate use of mathematical concepts (1 mark) K
1
Analysis of Data
- Detailed analysis of findings which is coherent and reflects the data
R
collected and presented (2 marks) 2
Discussion of findings
- Statement of findings clearly stated (1 mark) R
1
- Statement of findings follows from data collected (1 mark) R
1
Conclusion
- Conclusion is based on findings and relates to the purpose of the
R
project (2 marks) 2
Overall Presentation
- Information is communicated logically using correct grammar (2 marks) K 2

Revised December 2019

TEACHER’S
PROJECT DESCRIPTORS PROFILE MARK
TOTAL TEACHER’S MARK

K (6) C (8) R (6)

6 8 6

TOTAL SCORE (20 MARKS) 20

Teacher’s Signature*: _________A Johnson Hackett___ Date: ______7 April 2022______

NOTES:
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to sign other editable PDF forms.

2. Please click the PRINT TO PDF button, located at the bottom of this form when you have finished filling in all
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Revised February 2020

ST. ROSE’S HIGH SCHOOL

SCHOOL BASED ASSESSMENT
MATHEMATICS

NAME OF CANDIDATES: CANDIDATE NUMBERS:

• Shabir Ahamad 0900460016

• Eddie Bobb 0900460067
• Josiah Hopkinson
• Destiny Simon 0900460679

CENTRE NUMBER: 090046

TERRITORY: Guyana

YEAR OF EXAMINATION: 2022

Acknowledgement

The researchers would like to extend our sincere gratitude to any individual that helped in any
way possible for us to complete this School Based Assessment. Especially, Our Heavenly Father
for providing us with health and strength. Also, our parents for their continuous support.
Table of Contents

Topic Page 6

Problem Statement 6

Purpose of study 6

Method of Investigation 7

Results 8

Analysis 16

Discussion 18

Conclusion 19

Recommendations 20

Reference 21

Appendix 22
Topic: Statistics

Research Title: Determining whether Social Media influences students’ academic performance

Purpose of Study

Over the years there has always been a general debate on whether social media has an influence
students’ performance. With various persons extending their general views on this topic, Ohanian,
in the year 2001 said rightfully “It takes discipline not to let social media steal your time”. Social
media have a tendency to become very time consuming depending on how it is used. Also,
Angelastro in the year 2019, said “Social media is a huge distraction in schools and throughout the
school day. Snapchat is a prime example”.

He further stated that , “The idea of using digital technologies to teach students from homes was
introduced to continue with education and overcome mental stress and anxiety during the
lockdown.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a digital revolution in the higher education system through
online lectures, teleconferencing, digital open books, online examination and interaction in virtual
environments.” (Chatterjee, 2020)

Based on that almost every student has access to an electronic device, regardless of the use these
device/s, it became a part of their everyday life. “In 2005 Stanford University School of Medicine
and Johns Hopkins University study reported that children scored between seven and nine points
lower on standardized math scores. This study was done before the tablet and smartphone invasion,
an argument could be made that the test scores are affected more than ever before.”(Justin Payeur,
2019). “The internet has recently become such a huge part of our everyday lives, providing many
benefits but also providing some disadvantages. In schools there are usually strict rules about
phone use in classrooms because of the temptation and the constant distraction.” (Angelastro,
2015). Thus the researchers Aim: “To determine whether Social Media influence students’
academic performance”

Objectives

1. To assess whether students spend equal or more time on Social Media compared to the time
spent on school work.
2. To investigate students views on social media and how they use it.
3. To recommend ways for students to create a balance between their Academics and Social
life.

Method of Data Collection

The method of Data Collection for this research used was both Primary and Secondary.

Primary Method

The Primary method of data collection used in this research was;

Questionnaires and the Observation Method.

Questionnaire

This method was chosen to conduct this research for the reason that; responses are given quickly,
information is concise and easily understandable. Questionnaires were distributed to the Grade
11 students to perceive whether Social Media affected their studies as they prepare for the
Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC). There were seventy 70 students in the level
and because of that 50 % of the students (35 questionnaires) were distributed randomly on an
online platform Google Forms.

Observation Method

This method was also chosen to conduct this research because; given the research was based on
observation it would make it better to be able to perceive the participants of the research within
the age group. Considering the method is done by observing the behavior or event/s in a natural
or regular environment. It was observed that students spend extensive hours on social media;
whether it be during their free time or in classes.

Secondary Method

The secondary method is the collection of existing theoretical data of previous studies done. The
data received was equally as valid as the raw data obtained. The data could be either published or
unpublished. The data collection will done from textbooks and mainly internet articles to
compile and complete the write-up.
 Presentation of Data

Table 1: Table Depicting a Comparison between Time Spent on Social Media and Studying

(The tables and graphs were developed from the questions)

Time Midpoint Time Frequency x Time Spent Frequency x Cumulative
(Hours) (x) Spent on Midpoint Studying Midpoint Frequency
Social
Media

0-1 (0+1)/2 2 1 12 6 2
= 0.5
1-2 (1+2)/2 7 10.5 5 7.5 9
= 1.5
2-3 (2+3)/2 3 7.5 5 12.5 12
= 2.5
3-4 (3+4)/2 8 28 5 17.5 20
=3.5
4-5 (4+5)/2 7 31.5 3 13.5 27
= 4.5
5-6 (5+6)/2 3 16.5 0 11 30
=5.5
∑F=30 ∑F(x)=95 ∑F=30 ∑F(x)=68

Calculations
Mean

Time Spent on Social Media

Mean: ∑fx/ fx

= 95/ 30

= 3.17 (2 d.p)

Time Spent Studying

Mean: ∑fx/fx
 = 68/30

= 2.27 (2 d.p)

Time Spent on Social Media

0.5, 0.5, 1.5,1.5,1.5,1.5,1.5,1.5,1.5, 2.5,2.5,2.5,3.5, 3.5,3.5,3.5,3.5,3.5,3.5,3.5,

4.5,4.5,4.5,4.5,4.5,4.5,4.5, 5.5,5.5,5.5

Median

Position of Median: n +1 / 2

= 30+1/2

=31/2

= 15.5

Therefore Q2= 3-4 hours

Mode Time Spent on Social Media: 3-4 hours

Mode Time Spent Studying: 0-1 hours

 BAR GRAPH DEPICTING THE COMPARISON BETWEEN
TIME SPENT STUDYING AND ON SOCIAL MEDIA
12
12

10
8
8 7 7

6 5 5 5

4 3 3 3
2
2
0
0
0 to 1 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6

Social Media Studying

.Figure 1: Comparison Between Time Spent on Social Media and Studying

 Table 2: Table Depicting the Comparison between Times Spent on Social Media and
Performance

Time Midpoint Frequency Frequency Performance Frequency Midpoint Frequency Cumulative

Spent x x Frequency
on Midpoint Midpoint
Social
Media
(Hours)
0-1 0.5 2 1 40-49 0 (40+49)/2 0 0
= 44.5
1-2 1.5 7 10.5 50-59 1 (50+59)/2 54.5 1
=54.5
2-3 2.5 3 7.5 60-69 6 (60+69)/2 387 7
=64.5
3-4 3.5 8 28 70-79 14 (70+79)/2 1043 21
=74.5
4-5 4.5 7 31.5 80-89 7 (80+89)/2 591.5 28
=84.5
5-6 5.5 3 16.5 89-100 2 (89+100)/2 189 30
=94.5
∑f=30 ∑f(x)=95 ∑f=30 ∑fx=2265

Calculations

Mean

Mean Time Spent on Social Media = ∑fx/fx

= 95/30

= 3.17 (2 d.p)

Mean Performance= ∑fx/fx

= 2265/30

=75.5
Performance

0.5, 0.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 2.5, 2.5, 2.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 4.5, 4.5,
4.5, 4.5, 4.5, 4.5, 4.5, 5.5, 5.5, 5.5

Mode: 70-79%

Median Time Spent on Social Media: 3-4 hours

(Found from Table 1)

Median Performance:

Position of Median: n + 1 /2

= 30 + 1 /2

= 31/2

= 15.5

Therefore Q2= 70-79 %

 Social Media Time
9
8 8
FREQUENCY

7 7 7
6
5
4
3 3 3
2 2
1
0
0 to 1 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6
APPROXIMATED TIME

Social Media Time

Figure 2: Time Spent on Social Media Daily

Performance
16

14

12

10

0
40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-89 89-100

Performance

Figure 3: Performance of Students

 Table 3: Table Depicting Comparison between Time Spent Studying and Performance

Time Midpoint Frequency Cumulative Frequency Performance Frequency CF Midpoint Frequency

Spent Frequency x (%) x
Studying Midpoint Midpoint
(Hours)
0-1 0.5 12 12 6 40-49 0 0 44.5 0
1-2 1.5 5 17 7.5 50-59 1 1 54.5 54.5
2-3 2.5 5 22 12.5 60-69 6 7 64.5 387
3-4 3.5 5 27 17.5 70-79 14 21 74.5 1043
4-5 4.5 3 30 13.5 80-89 7 28 84.5 591.5
5-6 5.5 0 30 11 89-100 2 30 94.5 189
∑f=30 ∑fx= 68 ∑f=30 ∑fx= 2265

Calculations
Mean

Mean of Studying: Mean: ∑fx/fx

= 68/30

= 2.27 (2 d.p)

= 2 hours

Mean Performance: ∑fx/fx

= 2265/30

=75.5

Therefore mean performance is 70-79%

Median Time Spent Studying: n + 1 / 2

= 30 + 1 / 2

= 31/ 2

= 15.5

Therefore Q2= 2- 3 hours

Median Performance = 70-79%

Time Spent Studying

0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 2.5, 2.5, 2.5, 2.5, 2.5,
3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 4.5, 4.5, 4.5,

Mode: 0-1 hours

Time Spent Studying Daily Studying

14

12

10

0
0 to 1 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6

Time Spent Studying Daily Studying

Figure 4: Time Spent Studying Daily

 Performance
16

14

12

10

0
40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-89 89-100

Performance

Figure 5: Performance of students

Analysis and Interpretation of Data Collection

The research was done with the use of an appropriate data collection method
(Questionnaire). After, the data was collected it was used to produce the tables, bar and line
graphs (from the previous pages) for a proper analysis to be done.

On Table 1 there is a comparison between the time spent studying and on social media
with the Bar graph; Figure 1 corresponding based on the data. In Figure 1 there was a gradual
decrease in the hours spent studying as the time increased, whereas there was a fluctuation of the
time spent on social media. The mean time spent on social media and studying was 3 and 2 hours
respectively. The trends and fluctuation of these values are shown on Figure 1. The two bars next
to each other makes the comparison between time spent on social media and studying easier.

Table 2 depicts a comparison between times spent on social media and performance of students.
The mean time spent on Social Media was approximately 3 hours. The median remained the
same 3-4 hours.

Figure 2 is based on the data of time spent on social media where it can be seen that the majority
of participants, about 50%, spend 3 to 5 hours on social media. With 2 of the respondents
spending 0-1 hours, 7 spend 1-2 hours, 3 spend 2-3 hours, the line went up as 8 respondents
spend 3- 4 hours, however, the line went downwards as only 3 of the respondents spend 5-6
hours. While there was about 23% of persons who spend 1 to 2 hours on social media. The line
fluctuated.

Figure 3 is based on the data of performance of students, it corresponds with table 3

where it can be seen that just below 50% of students scored 70-79 in performance. While 20%
and 23% scored 60-69 and 80-89 respectively, showing that majority of students score between
the brackets of 60-89 in performance.

Table 3 shows the comparison of time spent studying and the performance of students. Figure 4,
a line graph depicts a gradual reduction of studying time of students as the hours increased. With
12 of the respondents spending 0-1 hour studying daily and 0 spending 5-6 hours.
Discussion

While it was expected that the more time spent studying and the less time spent on social
media would be the factor to produce better grades. It was noted by the data collected that even
though, more than half of responders did not study beyond 2 hours and spent more than 3 hours
on social media, 76.7% of them scored higher than 70 at the end of the term. This data showed that
more time spent on social media did not significantly have a strong influence as it relate to the
reduction in performance. Social media could have provided the basis for doing further work
academically outside of the classroom.

While they might have done other things on social media such as sharing thoughts, views,
interests among other things, it could be assumed majority of that time on social media was done
doing school work. It also should be noted that the time spent on social media by these individuals
could also be time spent communicating with friends for work. This can be expected since the
survey was done during the COVID period where technology had to be utilized for schooling
purposes. It is possible that there are other contributing factors that could influence a student’s
performance.
Conclusion

It can be concluded that the research was a success as each objective was achieved. Even though
students spent excessive amounts of time on social media, those whom of which spent more time
studying performed better.

However, those who spent more time on social media compared to studying social media
performance was not heavily affected because it is possible while on social media, they spent their
time doing something educational. Students, whom of which may struggle to manage their time
with doing both schoolwork and having a social life can either create a study time-table or have a
broken down daily schedule timing their activities and managing their time.

These overall results might reflect the theory stated by Angelastro (2019, in the introduction where
he stated that social media was a distraction for the COVID shut down and hence would be a direct
linkage for students spending more time on social media.
Recommendations

After completing this researcher the researchers would like to recommend ways of time
management for the students, whom of which, social media influences their academic
performance. We believe students should manage their time better by creating a schedule and
include enough time for both studying or doing schoolwork and social media. Another suggestion
is that instead of spending time texting their friends and neglecting their work, they could go on
calls and do their work with their friends.
References

• Suleiman Alhaji Ahmad},2019. Social Media and Students’ Academic Performance in Nigeria,
Ahmad2019SocialMA, Asian Journal of Education and e-Learning.

• M. Owusu-Acheaw1 Agatha Gifty Larson2. Use of Social Media and its Impact on Academic
Performance of Tertiary Institution Students: A Study of Students of Koforidua Polytechnic,
Ghana Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X
(Online) Vol.6, No.6, 2015 94

• Chatterjee 2020. Most Importance Social Media Trends and innovations for 2020. Retrieved
from https://snchatterjee.com/most-important-social...

• Azizi SM, Soroush A, Khatony A, 2019. The relationship between social networking addiction and
academic performance in Iranian students of medical sciences: a cross-sectional study. BMC
Psychol. 2019;7(1):28. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6500070

• Osharive. P.( 2015) Social media and academic performance of students in Universitry of Lagos.
Retieved from https://www.academia.edu/11325295/SOCIAL_
Appendix

SURVEY TO DETERMINE WHETHER SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCES STUDENTS’

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

245 Church Street

Georgetown Guyana,

20th November, 2021

Dear Participants,

As a part of the fifth form Mathematics School Based Assessment the issue of the
influence of social media on students’ academic performance in St. Rose’s High was selected by
the researchers to discover ways for students to create a balance between their Academics and
Social life.

We seek your utmost cooperation and ask that you answer the questions on the
attached questionnaire honestly. All of your responses will be completely confidential.
Additionally, we are thankful you are willingly participating in our research, so that necessary
actions can be done to help students’ improve their performance.

Yours truly,

Shabir Ahamad

Eddie Bobb

Josiah Hopkinson

Destiny Simon
Questionnaire

1. Gender
☐Male
☐Female

2. Age
☐ 15
☐ 16
☐ 17

3. Do you use any form of social media?

☐Yes
☐No

4. Which form of social media do you use the most?

☐WhatsApp
☐Facebook
☐Twitter
☐Instagram
☐Tik-Tok
☐Pinterest
☐Email
☐Snapchat
5. How often do you use social media?
☐ Daily
☐ Weekly
 ☐ Monthly
6. What is the average time you spend on social media daily in terms of hours?
☐Less than an hour
☐1-2
☐3-4
☐5-6
☐7 -8
☐9 +
7. When do you use social media ?
☐ During your free time
☐ During Class time
☐Late at nights
☐Anytime
8. Do you study only when you have exams?
☐Yes
☐No
9. What do you use social media for?
☐Entertainment
☐Fun
☐News Update
☐School work
☐Entertainment and school work
☐Sharing thoughts, views and interests
☐Other………………

10. Does Social Media provide any form of aid with your academics?
☐Yes
☐No

11. On average how many hours do you study daily?

☐Less than an hour
☐1-2
☐3-4
☐5-6
☐7 -8
☐9 +
12. What are your average grades at the end of the term?
☐Less than 40%
☐40-49%
☐50-59%
☐ 60-69%
☐70-79%
☐80-89%
☐Above 89%

13. Do you believe the use of social media influences your academic performance?
☐Yes
☐No

14. Is Social Media time consuming?

☐Yes
☐No
15. Do you believe Social media is a form of distraction from your academics?
☐Yes
☐No

16. The reason for this is because:****

☐You spend extensive hours on it
☐It is more fun to use compared to doing school work
☐You get caught up in studying other people’s lives
☐You have constant access to speak with your friends at any given time
☐It is entertaining
☐Other…………………
17. Have you ever put off doing an assignment or studying to be on social media?
☐Yes
☐No

18. Suggest one way for students to create a balance between their Academics and Social
life.