Self-Efficacy, Numerical Literacy, and Problem-Solving Skills in Statistics: A Quantitative Study in Jayapura
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56393/melior.v5i2.3662Keywords:
Problem Solving, Statistics, Self-Efficacy, Numerical Literacy, Development EconomicsAbstract
Problem-solving skills in statistics are crucial for development economics students as a foundation for analytical thinking and evidence-based decision-making. This study analyzes students’ problem-solving abilities and examines the influence of two internal factors: self-efficacy and numerical literacy. Using a descriptive quantitative approach with inferential analysis through SEM-PLS assisted by SmartPLS 4, data were collected from 200 purposively selected students in the third to fifth semesters. Instruments included a problem-solving test based on Pólya’s four-step model, a Likert-scale questionnaire, and limited interviews to complement the findings. Results show that self-efficacy (β = 0.244; p < 0.01) and numerical literacy (β = 0.186; p < 0.05) significantly influence problem-solving skills, while the R² value (0.119) indicates that other factors also play a role. These results align with Bandura’s (1997) Social Cognitive Theory, emphasizing that belief systems affect effort and cognitive performance. This study integrates affective (self-efficacy) and cognitive (numerical literacy) factors in one analytical framework, which remains underexplored in Development Economics education. The novelty lies in mapping both psychological and cognitive predictors of problem-solving simultaneously. Practically, the study recommends contextual, problem-based learning, the integration of statistical software (SPSS, Stata, R), and strategies to enhance students’ academic confidence. Overall, the findings contribute to improving statistical education aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4 – Quality Education and SDG 8 – Inclusive Economic Growth) and strengthening students’ readiness for digital transformation and data-driven policy environments
Downloads
References
Adi, S., Wijayanti, A., Irfan, M., Pusporini, W., Mariah, S., & Rochmiyati, S. (2023). Effects of worksheets on problem-solving skills: Meta-analytic studies. International Journal of Educational Methodology, 9(1), 151–161. https://doi.org/10.12973/ijem.9.1.151
Amalina, I., & Vidákovich, T. (2023). Cognitive and socioeconomic factors that influence the mathematical problem-solving skills of students. Heliyon, 9(12), e19539. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19539
Amanda, F., Sumitro, S., Lestari, S., & Ibrohim, I. (2023). Enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills by complexity science-problem based learning model. Multidisciplinary Journal of Educational Research, 13(1), 77–100. https://doi.org/10.17583/remie.9409
Arifanti, D., Raupu, S., Thalhah, S., & Ikram, M. (2024). An analysis of students’ mathematical reasoning in solving probability problems judging from learning styles: The converger. Uniciencia, 38(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.15359/ru.38-1.32
Asiah, A., N., N., & Agustin, G. (2022). The impact of online learning on statistics courses for students of the Department of Development Economics, State University of Malang. International Journal of Research Publications, 100(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.47119/ijrp10011511220224281
Chumsukon, M. (2020). The development of problem-solving skills through problem-based learning in economics in school course. International Journal of Emerging Issues in Early Childhood Education, 1(1), 13–20. https://doi.org/10.31098/IJEIECE.V1I1.43
Domu, I., Pinontoan, K., & Mangelep, N. (2023). Problem-based learning in the online flipped classroom: Its impact on statistical literacy skills. Journal of Education and E-Learning Research, 10(2), 213–221. https://doi.org/10.20448/jeelr.v10i2.4635
Gunadi, F., Herman, T., & Prabawanto, S. (2022). Students’ learning obstacle in solving statistical reasoning problems: Epistemological study. Gema Wiralodra, 13(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.31943/gemawiralodra.v13i1.213
Güngör, C., & Baysal, E. (2024). The Impact of undergraduate students' thinking styles on problem-solving skills. Journal of Humanities and Social Science Researches, 13(2), 450–468. https://doi.org/10.15869/itobiad.1299119
He, S., Shi, X., Choi, T., & Zhai, J. (2023). How do students’ roles in collaborative learning affect collaborative problem-solving competency? A systematic review of research. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 50, 101423. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2023.101423
Husna, L., Hasibuan, Y., Husnayani, H., & Ramadhani, R. (2025). Analisis kemampuan pemecahan masalah peserta didik SMA dalam menyelesaikan materi statistika. Journal on Education, 7(2), 7853–7865. https://doi.org/10.31004/joe.v7i2.7853
Kurnia, A., Lowrie, T., & Patahuddin, S. (2023). The development of high school students’ statistical literacy across grade level. Mathematics Education Research Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13394-023-00449-x
Lu, D., & Xie, Y. (2023). The application of educational technology to develop problem-solving skills: A systematic review. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 50, 101454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2023.101454
Mahmuti, A., Hamzić, D., & Thaqi, X. (2025). The impact of contextual teaching and learning on improving student achievement in economic mathematics. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 20(1), e16233. https://doi.org/10.29333/iejme/16233
Makwakwa, E., Mogari, D., & Ogbonnaya, U. (2023). First-year undergraduate students’ statistical problem-solving skills. Teaching Statistics, 46(1), 23–28. https://doi.org/10.1111/test.12359
Marliah, E., & Muthukrishnan, P. (2025). Improving students’ economic learning outcomes through problem-based learning methods. PPSDP International Journal of Education, 4(1), 35–46. https://doi.org/10.59175/pijed.v4i1.410
Muerza, V., Gargallo, P., Salvador, M., & Turón, A. (2024). Impact of problem-based learning on the perception, understanding, and application of statistical concepts in business administration and management students. Sustainability, 16(4), 1591. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16041591
Ningrum, L., & Rafsanjani, M. (2024). Pengaruh efikasi diri akademik terhadap keterampilan pemecahan masalah melalui regulasi diri dan disposisi berpikir kritis. Jurnal Pendidikan Ekonomi (JURKAMI), 9(2), 112–124. https://doi.org/10.31932/jpe.v9i2.3479
Phurikultong, N., & Kantathanawat, T. (2022). Flipping the undergraduate classroom to develop student analytical thinking skills. Emerging Science Journal, 6(4), 225–233. https://doi.org/10.28991/ESJ-2022-06-04-06
Pólya, G. (1945). How to solve it: A new aspect of mathematical method. Princeton University Press.
Putri, F., Kartikowati, S., & Mujiono, M. (2023). The application of the problem-based learning teaching model in improving students’ ability to solve higher order thinking skills questions. International Journal of Educational Best Practices, 7(1), 117–131. https://doi.org/10.31258/ijebp.v7n1.p117-131
Santia, I., & Handayani, A. (2023). Exploring students’ numerical literacy on statistical problem-solving in Indonesia. Qubahan Academic Journal, 3(4), 181–190. https://doi.org/10.58429/qaj.v3n4a181
Suryanto, H., Degeng, N., Djatmika, E., & Kuswandi, D. (2021). The effect of creative problem solving with the intervention social skills on the performance of creative tasks. Creativity Studies, 14(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.3846/cs.2021.12364
Susanto, E., Susanta, A., Irsal, N., & Stanggo, P. (2024). Developing RME-based module in statistics to improve problem-solving skills for higher education students. Jurnal Elemen, 10(2), 251–265. https://doi.org/10.29408/jel.v10i2.25157
Tinungki, G., Hartono, P., Nurwahyu, B., Islamiyati, A., Robiyanto, R., Hartono, A., & Raya, M. (2024). Exploring the team-assisted individualization cooperative learning to enhance mathematical problem solving, communication and self-proficiency in teaching non-parametric statistics. Cogent Education, 11(1), 2381333. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2381333
Utami, A., & Usman, O. (2021). The influence of critical thinking, learning discipline and learning independence on the problem solving ability of faculty of economic students. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3768646
Xu, E., Wang, W., & Wang, Q. (2023). The effectiveness of collaborative problem solving in promoting students’ critical thinking: A meta-analysis based on empirical literature. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 10(1), 508. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-023-01508-1
Yusuf, M., & Widodo, T. (2022). Statistik untuk ekonomi pembangunan: Teori dan aplikasi. Jurnal Ekonomi Dan Pembangunan Indonesia, 22(2), 145–160. https://doi.org/10.7454/jepi.v22i2.1124
Wulandari, S. (2020). Analisis kesulitan mahasiswa dalam memahami konsep dasar statistik. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika Dan Sains, 8(1), 34–45. https://doi.org/10.21831/jpms.v8i1.32212
Liu, T. (2024). Examining the impact of variations in executive functions on students’ problem-solving behaviors. IEEE Access, 12, 185894–185904. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3513544
Nasution, E., Handican, R., & Yulia, P. (2025). A study of extrovert and introvert personality types on students’ mathematical problem-solving ability. Journal Evaluation in Education, 6(2), 1586–1594. https://doi.org/10.37251/jee.v6i2.1586
Rismayanti, R., Tawe, A., Sahabuddin, R., Supatminingsih, T., Nursyamsi, N., & Haryoko, S. (2024). The effect of implementing project-based learning on the problem solving ability of class X students in economics learning at MAN. Economics and Business Journal (ECBIS), 2(5), 151–163. https://doi.org/10.47353/ecbis.v2i5.151
Sappaile, B., Marito, W., Satyaninrum, I., Kurniawati, H., Wang, Y., & Zou, G. (2023). Use of problem-based learning strategies in improving problem-solving skills. Journal International Inspire Education Technology, 2(2), 45–57. https://doi.org/10.55849/jiiet.v2i2.456
Sasanti, R., & Arianto, F. (2025). Improving problem solving skills using the collaborative problem solving model. Advances in Nonlinear Variational Inequalities, 28(2), 4486–4498. https://doi.org/10.52783/anvi.v28.4486
Tian, Q., & Zheng, X. (2023). Effectiveness of online collaborative problem-solving method on students’ learning performance: A meta-analysis. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 40(2), 326–341. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12884
