Problem Solving as a Predictor of Programming Performance

The purpose of this paper is to establish what correlation exists between students’ problem solving ability and their academic performance in 1st-year programming courses. The students’ achievement in the programming courses is specified as the dependent variable and four programming aptitude tests for logical reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning and verbal logic are specified as the independent variables. The study group consists of 379 students. Our findings show a correlation between students’ logical reasoning, numerical reasoning and verbal logic and performance in computer programming modules. The correlation between students’ non-verbal reasoning and performance in computer programming modules was, however, not significant.