View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by DigitalCommons@CSP (Concordia University St. Paul) Concordia University St. Paul DigitalCommons@CSP Concordia University Portland Graduate CUP Ed.D. Dissertations Research 5-1-2019 Religiosity, Mindset, and Math Achievement Kathryn Luebke Concordia University - Portland, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/cup_commons_grad_edd Part of the Education Commons Recommended Citation Luebke, K. (2019). Religiosity, Mindset, and Math Achievement (Thesis, Concordia University, St. Paul). Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/cup_commons_grad_edd/320 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Concordia University Portland Graduate Research at DigitalCommons@CSP. It has been accepted for inclusion in CUP Ed.D. Dissertations by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@CSP. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Concordia University - Portland CU Commons Ed.D. Dissertations Graduate Theses & Dissertations 5-2019 Religiosity, Mindset, and Math Achievement Kathryn Luebke Concordia University - Portland Follow this and additional works at: https://commons.cu-portland.edu/edudissertations Part of the Education Commons CU Commons Citation Luebke, Kathryn, "Religiosity, Mindset, and Math Achievement" (2019). Ed.D. Dissertations. 305. https://commons.cu-portland.edu/edudissertations/305 This Open Access Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Theses & Dissertations at CU Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Ed.D. Dissertations by an authorized administrator of CU Commons. For more information, please contact libraryadmin@cu- portland.edu. Concordia University–Portland College of Education Doctorate of Education Program WE, THE UNDERSIGNED MEMBERS OF THE DISSERTATION COMMITTEE CERTIFY THAT WE HAVE READ AND APPROVE THE DISSERTATION OF Kathryn Louise Luebke CANDIDATE FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF EDUCATION Belle B. Booker-Zorigian, Ph.D., Faculty Chair Dissertation Committee Joanna Gilmore, Ph.D., Content Specialist Alecia C. Eubanks, Ph.D., Content Reader Religiosity, Mindset, and Math Achievement Kathryn Louise Luebke Concordia University–Portland College of Education Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the College Education in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor in Education in Teacher Leadership Belle B. Booker-Zorigian, Ph.D., Faculty Chair Dissertation Committee Joanna Gilmore, Ph.D., Content Specialist Alecia C. Eubanks, Ph.D., Content Reader Concordia University–Portland 2019 Abstract Growth mindset and religiosity as separate constructs have been shown to increase student achievement. This study sought to discover if a relationship existed between religiosity and mindset, as well as if mindset or religiosity could predict math achievement. A mixed methods study, guided by Brofenbrenner’s bioecological model, was conducted. This non-experimental quantitative study found a small statistically significant relationship between mindset and religiosity (p < .05). However, religiosity and mindset were not correlated with math achievement; therefore, these constructs could not be used to predict math achievement. Focus group interviews were used to further study the relationship between mindset and religiosity. Students were asked to describe how they developed both their mindset and religiosity beliefs, and then to discuss how these constructs work, both together and separately, to impact academic achievement. Through In Vivo and Process coding, two themes and one key assertion emerged from the interviews. Theme 1: Environmental factors impact religiosity and mindset. Theme 2: Religiosity and mindset impact academic success. Key Assertion: Religiosity and mindset are two distinct yet harmonious constructs within adolescents. Religiosity and mindset influence each other as students grow, develop, and achieve in school. Keywords: mindset, religiosity, achievement, math achievement, bioecological model ii Dedication I dedicate this work to my students. I have learned more from you than you have from me. Pursue your dreams and never stop learning! iii Acknowledgements I’d like to acknowledge my family. Chris—thank you for your love and support every step of the way. My life is better because you are in it. Noelle—thank you for being my homework buddy. I have enjoyed our Starbucks dates and late-night Netflix marathons. Anni—thank you for giving the best hugs and always knowing exactly when I need one! Izzy—thank you for showing me the importance of thinking outside the box. Triah—thank you for always making me smile and reminding me to slow down and enjoy all of life’s blessings. I’d like to acknowledge my extended family. To my Grandpa and my Papa, thank you for supporting me throughout education. To my mom and dad, thank you for being my biggest cheerleaders. I’d like to acknowledge my colleagues and friends. Tony—thank you for always being just a text away and for reminding me that I can do it! Dr. Gilmore and Dr. Eubanks—thank you for your feedback and work to make me a better researcher and writer. Dr. Booker—thank you for your guidance and direction. iv Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... ii Dedication ...................................................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................ iv List of Tables ................................................................................................................................. xi List of Figures ............................................................................................................................... xii Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1 Problem Statement .............................................................................................................. 2 Nature of the Study ............................................................................................................. 3 Research Questions ............................................................................................................. 3 Hypotheses .......................................................................................................................... 4 Research question 1 ................................................................................................ 4 Research question 2 ................................................................................................ 4 Research questions 3 and 4 ..................................................................................... 4 Research Objectives ............................................................................................................ 4 Purpose................................................................................................................................ 4 Conceptual Framework ....................................................................................................... 5 Definitions of Terms ........................................................................................................... 6 Religiosity ............................................................................................................... 6 Mindset.................................................................................................................... 7 Assumptions........................................................................................................................ 7 Limitations .......................................................................................................................... 8 Scope and Delimitations ..................................................................................................... 8 v Significance......................................................................................................................... 9 Summary and Transition ................................................................................................... 10 Chapter 2: Literature Review ........................................................................................................ 11 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 11 Study topic ............................................................................................................ 12 Context .................................................................................................................. 13 Significance........................................................................................................... 14 Problem statement................................................................................................. 15 Organization.......................................................................................................... 18 Conceptual Framework ..................................................................................................... 18 Review of Research Literature.........................................................................................