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Factors Associated with Female Students' Conceptual Understanding of Atomic Orbitals and Hybridisation

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Title: Factors Associated with Female Students' Conceptual Understanding of Atomic Orbitals and Hybridisation
Language: English
Authors: Joyce Delali Mawutor (ORCID 0009-0005-5544-1342), Kenneth Adu-Gyamfi (ORCID 0000-0002-1959-3702)
Source: Journal of Baltic Science Education. 2026 25(1):151-172.
Availability: Scientia Socialis Ltd. 29 K. Donelaicio Street, LT-78115 Siauliai, Republic of Lithuania. e-mail: scientia@scientiasocialis.lt; e-mail: mail.jbse@gmail.com; Web site: http://www.scientiasocialis.lt/jbse/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 22
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Secondary Education
Descriptors: Females, Womens Education, Chemistry, Scientific Concepts, Misconceptions, Concept Formation, Secondary School Students, Equal Education, Disproportionate Representation, Foreign Countries, Student Attitudes, Teaching Methods, Independent Study, Student Motivation
Geographic Terms: Ghana
ISSN: 1648-3898
2538-7138
Abstract: Research suggests that students, especially female chemistry students, often struggle with understanding atomic orbitals and hybridisation, sometimes holding misconceptions about these concepts. To add to what is known, we examined factors associated with female chemistry students' conceptual understanding of atomic orbitals and hybridisation. We collected data from 304 female chemistry students in uppersecondary school using a methodological triangulation mixed-methods approach that included questionnaires and interviews. Of these, 50 students participated directly in interviews. Exploratory factor analysis revealed three main factors associated with their conceptual understanding. Thematic analysis and narrative approaches were used to further interpret and support the quantitative findings. Since motivational beliefs emerged as one of the key factors, it is important for governments and organisations working towards Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG5) -- gender equality -- to provide targeted support for female chemistry students. Such assistance should aim to foster their interest and engagement with fundamental chemistry concepts like atomic orbitals and hybridisation.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1506490
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: Factors Associated with Female Students' Conceptual Understanding of Atomic Orbitals and Hybridisation
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Joyce+Delali+Mawutor%22">Joyce Delali Mawutor</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5544-1342">0009-0005-5544-1342</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Kenneth+Adu-Gyamfi%22">Kenneth Adu-Gyamfi</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1959-3702">0000-0002-1959-3702</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Journal+of+Baltic+Science+Education%22"><i>Journal of Baltic Science Education</i></searchLink>. 2026 25(1):151-172.
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  Data: Scientia Socialis Ltd. 29 K. Donelaicio Street, LT-78115 Siauliai, Republic of Lithuania. e-mail: scientia@scientiasocialis.lt; e-mail: mail.jbse@gmail.com; Web site: http://www.scientiasocialis.lt/jbse/
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  Data: Research suggests that students, especially female chemistry students, often struggle with understanding atomic orbitals and hybridisation, sometimes holding misconceptions about these concepts. To add to what is known, we examined factors associated with female chemistry students' conceptual understanding of atomic orbitals and hybridisation. We collected data from 304 female chemistry students in uppersecondary school using a methodological triangulation mixed-methods approach that included questionnaires and interviews. Of these, 50 students participated directly in interviews. Exploratory factor analysis revealed three main factors associated with their conceptual understanding. Thematic analysis and narrative approaches were used to further interpret and support the quantitative findings. Since motivational beliefs emerged as one of the key factors, it is important for governments and organisations working towards Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG5) -- gender equality -- to provide targeted support for female chemistry students. Such assistance should aim to foster their interest and engagement with fundamental chemistry concepts like atomic orbitals and hybridisation.
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      – Text: English
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        PageCount: 22
        StartPage: 151
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Females
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Womens Education
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      – SubjectFull: Chemistry
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      – SubjectFull: Disproportionate Representation
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      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
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      – TitleFull: Factors Associated with Female Students' Conceptual Understanding of Atomic Orbitals and Hybridisation
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