A Critical Thinking Profile Based on Sex Differences: A Case Study on High School Students in Palu City, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to describe students' critical thinking in solving derivative problems in terms of gender. The subjects in this study were male students, S1 and female students, S2 who had high mathematical abilities. This type of research is a descriptiv research with a qualitative approach. The research instrument consists of the main instrument (researchers themselves) and supporting instruments including the provision of written assignments and interviews. The results of this study indicate that S1 and S2 in solving derivative problems according to the criteria for critical thinking starting from the indicators of focus, reason, inference, situation, clarity and overview. However, S1 and S2 have different thinking activities, S1 completed the task with a more concise completion in a more logical way of thinking, while S2 completed the task with a longer completion with his verbal abilities with precision. and careful thinking. This shows that even though S1 and S2 have equal mathematical abilities, there are differences in thinking activities in solving problems. These findings are supported by written answer data and interview results. This research provides important insights into the influence of gender on critical thinking in mathematics contexts, which can be used as a basis for developing more effective and inclusive teaching strategies.