CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Abstract reasoning is the ability to reason logically and think about

concepts that are not directly observable or concrete involving the

manipulation of abstract symbols and patterns. (Arden, J. B., &

Gottfredson, L. S. (2012) and as stated by Wang J. (2011) abstract

reasoning involves the capacity to process information and think logically

about concepts that are not immediately present or tangible.

Creative thinking is the ability to look at problems or situations from

a fresh perspective. It involves thinking outside the box and coming up

with unique, effective solutions. This skill is not limited to artistic fields but

is essential in every profession, from business and science to technology

and education (The Muse Editors, 2024). As described by Brown (2013),

science is a methodical pursuit of knowledge characterized by systematic

observation, experimentation, and theoretical explanation aimed at

understanding the natural world. Science is an integral part of culture. It’s

not foreign thing, done by an arcane priesthood. It’s one of the glories of

the human intellectual tradition (Gould, 1990).

Performance is the measurable outcome of an individual’s capability

to perform tasks efficiently in various settings (Becker, M. J. (2015). As

explained by J. P. Campbell (2012), defines performance as the observable

execution of tasks, reflecting an individual’s ability to achieve desired

outcomes and complete roles effectively.

The findings of the study by Lidia Feclistova, [Link]. (2021) appear to

suggest that prior findings of learners’ performance and the effect of

multiple resubmissions on students’ success. In addition, an overview of

performance results in terms of engagement styles and difficulty-resolving

patterns is presented.

Findings of the study conducted by Pedro Manuel Moreno-Marcos,

et. al. (2020) revealed that previous performance (and particularly in

graded tasks) is among that strongest predictor of future performance.

Zi-Gang Ge (2018) stipulated in her study that the research

unequivocally demands that proper reward schemes be used in game-

based learning and other learning environments.

The author of the study Myunghee Kang, [Link]. (2010) stated that

that future learner may require key competencies in the social, emotive,

and cognitive aspects of educational achievement.

Abstract reasoning is an important capacity for problem solving,

decision making, and logical thinking. It enables people to evaluate and

comprehend abstract patterns and concepts without requiring specific

prior knowledge. This talent is especially significant in dynamic contexts,

as it allows for rapid adaptability and imaginative solutions to complicated

challenges. Strong abstract reasoning skills are associated with increased

performance and leadership effectiveness in professional contexts

because they promote critical thinking and the ability to see the "big

picture" in uncertain situations. Employers frequently emphasize abstract

reasoning in the hiring process, particularly in sectors such as science,

engineering, and technology, where problem-solving is essential. Overall,

understanding abstract reasoning improves outcomes and promotes

innovation across businesses and disciplines (Legg, 2019).

The study covers important areas of abstract reasoning, creative

thinking, and performance, but there are gaps to address. It would be

helpful to explore how abstract reasoning and creative thinking work

together and how they influence performance. Abstract reasoning is

recognized as vital; the study doesn’t fully explore how it impacts

performance in various professions or educational settings. There’s also

little discussion on how people can improve their abstract reasoning skills.

The importance of abstract reasoning for problem-solving and innovation

is also noted, but the study lacks detailed examples or case studies

showing its role in leadership and performance in various fields.

While on creative thinking it was deemed essential across many

professions, but the study doesn’t dive into how it interacts with abstract

reasoning or affects performance. The connection between creative

thinking and specific roles or educational outcomes is not examined

properly. The focus of performance is on how past performance predicts

future success, but the it doesn’t address how abstract reasoning and

creative thinking might directly influence performance. Also, the effects of

different performance measurement methods on future outcomes are not

explored.

Although the study highlights the need for effective reward systems

in learning, it doesn’t explore how these rewards impact the development

of abstract reasoning skills. The relationship between rewards and

cognitive improvement isn’t clearly established.

In conclusion, the study provides useful insights into the roles of

abstract reasoning, creative thinking, and performance but it has some

important gaps. It does not fully explore how abstract reasoning affects

performance across various professions or educational settings.

Additionally, the interaction between creative thinking and abstract

reasoning, and their combined impact on performance, is not well

covered. The study also lacks a detailed examination of how different

reward systems in learning environments influence the development of

these skills. To gain a clearer understanding of how to enhance

performance and drive innovation, future research should address these

areas, focusing on the practical implications of abstract reasoning and

creative thinking in real-world contexts.

Framework of the Study

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

ABSTRACT
REASONING DATA LOCLALIZED
ABILITY OF ANALYSIS FRAMEWORK
LEARNERS AND FOR
(SURVEY) TREATMENT INTERVENTION
ABSTRACT

Abstract means something that isn't physical or concrete, but rather

deals with ideas or concepts. In art, it means using shapes and colors in a

way that doesn’t represent real objects but rather expresses emotions or

thoughts. In academic writing, an abstract is a brief summary of a larger

work, like a research paper, which outlines the main points and

conclusions without going into detailed explanations. So, abstract

generally involves thinking about or describing things that aren't directly

visible or easily explained.

Abstract Reasoning

understanding concepts mentally or mental comprehension, difficult

problem solving and recognize patterns. It means thinking about things

that are not directly visible, it involves figuring out patterns and solving

problems that aren’t obvious. For example, when you solve a math

problem or a complex idea, you use abstract reasoning to solve it.

Learners

Learners are those who are actively working to understand new

ideas, practice skills, or improve their abilities through different methods

and experiences. people who are trying to gain knowledge or skills. This

term includes anyone who is involved in learning, whether it's students in

school, people attending a training session, or even someone teaching

themselves something new.

Data Analysis

process of arranging data, look for patterns, and examining data to

find useful information. Data analysis is the process of looking at and

studying information to important details. This usually means organizing

the data, using different methods to understand it, and summarizing what

you find so you can make decisions or learn something new. It’s a way to

turn a lot of raw information into useful insights.

Treatment

Treatment means the way you deal with or handle a problem. In

health, it's the medication or therapy given to help someone recover from

an illness or injury. It can also refer to any approach or method used to

solve or manage an issue, like a plan to address a health condition or a

strategy to improve a situation or an experiment used by researchers to

test their ideas and see what will happen.

Intervention

something done to fix or improve a problem, example; if the

students do not understand the subject, the teacher might use a new

method or extra help to make things better, example if a student are

struggling in a subject then the teacher will adjust or provide method that

easier to understand so that that student will understand the lesson.

Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory, this theory explains how learners’

thinking/mental growth grows through interactions with others and their

cultural background. It helps us to identify how the right support learners

need to improve their reasoning skills, it shows that through interactions

with more knowledgeable people, such as teacher or peers can improve

learner’s abstract reasoning skills. Then in applying this theory, it will help

creating an effective learning environments and teaching style. It provides

useful method or style to improve students’ mental growth and teaching

styles.

Dual Process Theory (Daniel Kahneman & Amos Tversky, 2000), This

theory explains how people think with two different ways, the fast and

automatic thinking and slow and thoughtful thinking. It shows how

abstract reasoning uses both quick and careful, analytical thought. It also

helps to make teaching methods that improve both types of thinking like

the first theory. It will guide us to create test that measure different

reasoning skills, and it gives a clear way to understand and improve how

learners think critically.

Cognitive Load Theory, This theory helps us to understand the limits of

our working memory and how it affects learning. It suggests that

managing the amount of information we need to process can improve our

understanding and performance. Applying Cognitive Load Theory will

allow us to investigate how to present complex information in ways that

are easier for learners to handle, thus enhancing their abstract reasoning

and creative thinking abilities.

Constructivist Theory, Piaget’s theory is relevant because it highlights

how learners build their own understanding through experiences and

problem-solving. This theory helps us see how active learning and hands-

on activities support the development of abstract reasoning and

creativity. By using Constructivist Theory, we can explore how learners’

direct engagement with material helps them develop important cognitive

skills and improves their overall performance.

Statement of the Problem

This study wants to describe the abstract reasoning ability of

learners in Sigay National High School- Senior High school. Specifically,

this study seeks to answer the following:

1. What is the level of abstract reasoning and creative thinking ability

of the Junior High School in Sigay National High?

2. What are the factors affecting the Abstract and reasoning ability of

the JHS learners in Sigay National High School?

3. Is there a significant relationship between the abstract reasoning

and thinking ability of JHS learners in SHNS?

4. What framework can be created to enhance Abstract reasoning and

creative thinking skills of JHS learners of SNHS?

 CHAPTER II

METHODOLOGY

This chapter contains the following parts: research design,

population locale, research instrument, data gathering, procedure,

treatment of data, data organization, and ethical considerations.

Research Design

The researchers will use a descriptive survey. As stated by Creswell

(2014), a descriptive survey is used to collect quantitative data to

describe the distribution of variables in a population. This approach is

valuable for summarizing the current state of affairs and identifying

trends or patterns. (Creswell, J. W. (2014). It is a descriptive since it allows

to gather a broad range of data, and provides a clear statistical overview,

which can be useful for establishing, comparing different populations and

identify aspects for investigation. Therefore, the researchers consequently

thought the design was appropriate.

Population Locale

This study will be conducted at Sigay National High School, Ilocos

Sur during the school 2024-2025. Total enumeration will be used where all

Junior High students are respondents. Refer to the table below.

Name of School Junior High School

 Sigay National High School

Male Female Total

GRADE 7

GRADE 8

GRADE 9

GRADE 10

GRAND TOTAL

Research Instrument

An adapted abstract reasoning test and creative thinking test, will

used in this study. In the abstract reasoning test asked questions to

measure the abstract reasoning ability of the Junior High School students

in SNHS. Second, in creative thinking test asked questions to measure the

junior high school students' creative thinking skills in SNHS. These

instruments will help to address the research questions by providing

quantitative data on reasoning abilities, measure their abilities, and

identifying the significant relationship between the abstract reasoning

ability and creative thinking skills.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers first modifies the adpted abstract reasoning and

critical thinking questionnaires by (author) to be used for the conduct of

this study. Then the research instrument has undergone validation with

the head teacher, a master teacher, and junior high school teachers. The

researchers considered the research instrument valid so they proceeded

to the next step. After that the researchers ask permission and inform

their respondents that they are their respondents, and then the

researchers distribute their survey paper on their respondents. Finally,

after retrieval of the questionnaires, they conferred together and analyzed

the results.

Treatment of Data

For the first questionnaire, the computed mean will be used to

describe the level of abstract reasoning ability of the Junior High School in

Sigay National High. For the second questionnaire, the computed mean

will be used to describe the level of critical thinking ability of the Junior

High School in Sigay National. Consequently, based on this computation,

the significant relationship between abstract reasoning and critical

thinking ability were determined and became the basis for making the

framework to enhance Abstract reasoning and creative thinking skills of

JHS learners of SNHS.

Data Categorization

To quantify the data gathered needed in the investigation, the

following (….) were used:

Ethical Considerations

In the of this study, the researchers asked permission first from the

relevant authorities. The respondents' consent was also requested via an

informed consent form. Additionally, they were reassured that

participation in this study is entirely voluntary and open to withdrawal at

any time. Finally, the researchers make sure that 100% confidentiality

following the Privacy Act, and all information collected for this study was

used only for such purposes.