Sex Differences in Variability across Nations in Reading, Mathematics and Science: A Meta-Analytic Extension of Baye and Monseur (2016)

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Sex Differences in Variability across Nations in Reading, Mathematics and Science: A Meta-Analytic Extension of Baye and Monseur (2016)
Language: English
Authors: Gray, Helen, Lyth, Andrew, McKenna, Catherine, Stothard, Susan, Tymms, Peter, Copping, Lee
Source: Large-scale Assessments in Education. 2019 7.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 29
Publication Date: 2019
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Gender Differences, International Assessment, Foreign Countries, Males, Disproportionate Representation, Educational Assessment
DOI: 10.1186/s40536-019-0070-9
ISSN: 2196-0739
Abstract: A recent study by Baye and Monseur (Large Scale Assess Educ 4:1-16, 2016) using large, international educational data sets suggest that the "greater male variation hypothesis" is well supported. Males are often over-represented at the tails of the ability distribution despite similarity in measures of central tendency and the gradual closing of the attainment gap relative to females. In this study, we replicate and expand Baye and Monseur's work, and explore greater male variability by country using meta-analysis and meta-regression. While we broadly confirm that variability is greater for males internationally, we find that there is significant heterogeneity between countries, and that much of this can be quantified using variables applicable across these assessments (such as test, year, male-female effect size, mean country score and Global Gender Gap Indicators). While it is still not possible to make any causal conclusions regarding why males are more varied than females in academic assessments, it is possible to show that some national level variables effect the magnitude of this variation. Results and suggestions for further work are discussed.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2019
Accession Number: EJ1205732
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:A recent study by Baye and Monseur (Large Scale Assess Educ 4:1-16, 2016) using large, international educational data sets suggest that the "greater male variation hypothesis" is well supported. Males are often over-represented at the tails of the ability distribution despite similarity in measures of central tendency and the gradual closing of the attainment gap relative to females. In this study, we replicate and expand Baye and Monseur's work, and explore greater male variability by country using meta-analysis and meta-regression. While we broadly confirm that variability is greater for males internationally, we find that there is significant heterogeneity between countries, and that much of this can be quantified using variables applicable across these assessments (such as test, year, male-female effect size, mean country score and Global Gender Gap Indicators). While it is still not possible to make any causal conclusions regarding why males are more varied than females in academic assessments, it is possible to show that some national level variables effect the magnitude of this variation. Results and suggestions for further work are discussed.
ISSN:2196-0739
DOI:10.1186/s40536-019-0070-9