The Mediator Effect of Reading Comprehension in the Relationship between Logical Reasoning and Word Problem Solving

Reading comprehension skill is seen as a predictor of word problem-solving performance, and the close relationship between reading comprehension and mathematical skills is accentuated. On the other hand, more research is needed as to determine how logical thinking and word problem solving are related to each other and to analyze the role of reading comprehension in this relationship. The aim of the study is to examine the role of reading comprehension in the relation between logical reasoning and word problem-solving in 158 fourth grade primary school students. The data were collected through the administration of logical reasoning, syllogistic reasoning, and reading comprehension tests, and word problems. In this research, which makes use of a predictive correlational research model, the regression analysis was used to test the direct and indirect relationships between word problem solving, logical reasoning, inference making, and reading comprehension skills. As a result of the research, the relationships between the variables were found to be positively significant. Besides, reading comprehension seems to play a partial mediating role in the relationship between logical reasoning and word problem-solving. The positive correlation between word problem solving and logical reasoning skills suggests that activities to improve word problem-solving performance should be supported by logical reasoning- and inference making-related activities. The fact that reading comprehension skills play a mediating role between these two performances reveals the importance of linguistic skills such as reading comprehension in the development of logical and mathematical thinking.