The much heard assertion that boys are better at math than girls needs closer examination. Recently, Dr. Mark Perry has claimed that based on boys’ and girls’ average performance on the SAT, boys are better than girls at math. Perry’s conclusion does not take into account that averages can be misleading. A few especially high scores in one group can raise that group’s average above another group in which more participants score pretty well than in the first group.
Actually, SAT results don’t confirm boys are better at math than girls #dyscalculia
Last updated:
SAT score comparison between boys and girls are not reliable.
Another necessary question to pose about generalizing from SAT results lies with which girls and which boys are actually taking the exam. Taking the SAT is not mandatory. Perry’s implied claim that the girls and boys who take the SAT are representative samples of their groups becomes doubtful when we consider the possibility that boys who do not plan to attend college self select not to take the test. These boys may not be confident of their math skills. Such questions posed about statistical interpretations show us that we need to have more data and be more comprehensive in our analysis of it.
Author Quote
"
Dr. Perry’s tweeted conclusion implicitly assumes that boys and girls who take the SAT are basically the same – “representative,” the statisticians would say – of the general population of all boys and girls.
"Key Takeaways:
1
It is a common belief that boys are better at math than girls based on SAT scores.
2
It is assumed that the same amount of boys and girls are taking the SATs so the averages used could be skewed.
3
It is found by looking at records for high school girls and boys, those girls are all around more academically prepared than girls.
