Mathematical Thinking and Problem Solving Performance: the Mediating Role of Hope

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to provide a mediation model by exploring the relationships among mathematical thinking, hope and problem solving performance in mathematics. The participants of the present study were composed of 311 preservice mathematics teachers. In this mixed method research, these preservice mathematics teachers were conducted to the scales of Dispositional Hope and Mathematical Thinking, and Problem Solving Test. Based on the quantitative data analysis, it was observed that statistically significant relationships among the variables of hope, mathematical thinking and problem solving performance. The quantitative data collected through these instruments were also analyzed by mediation analysis techniques. The qualitative data gathered through semi-structured interviews were analyzed by content analysis technique. These data encouraged the findings acquired from quantitative data analysis. The qualitative findings confirmed the findings of the mediator role of hope. The qualitative findings encouraged the relationships among the variables and the role of mediator.