FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH FEMALE STUDENTS’ CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF ATOMIC ORBITALS AND HYBRIDISATION

Joyce Delali Mawutor; Kenneth Adu-Gyamfi

Error message

Strict warning: Declaration of csl_names::render() should be compatible with csl_rendering_element::render($data, $mode = NULL) in module_load_include() (line 330 of /home/scientia/domains/scientiasocialis.lt/public_html/jbse/includes/module.inc).

Strict warning: Declaration of csl_date::render() should be compatible with csl_rendering_element::render($data, $mode = NULL) in module_load_include() (line 330 of /home/scientia/domains/scientiasocialis.lt/public_html/jbse/includes/module.inc).

Strict warning: Declaration of csl_date_part::render() should be compatible with csl_rendering_element::render($data, $mode = NULL) in module_load_include() (line 330 of /home/scientia/domains/scientiasocialis.lt/public_html/jbse/includes/module.inc).

Strict warning: Declaration of csl_number::render() should be compatible with csl_rendering_element::render($data, $mode = NULL) in module_load_include() (line 330 of /home/scientia/domains/scientiasocialis.lt/public_html/jbse/includes/module.inc).

Strict warning: Declaration of csl_group::render() should be compatible with csl_rendering_element::render($data, $mode = NULL) in module_load_include() (line 330 of /home/scientia/domains/scientiasocialis.lt/public_html/jbse/includes/module.inc).

Strict warning: Declaration of csl_layout::render() should be compatible with csl_rendering_element::render($data, $mode = NULL) in module_load_include() (line 330 of /home/scientia/domains/scientiasocialis.lt/public_html/jbse/includes/module.inc).

Strict warning: Only variables should be passed by reference in theme_biblio_tabular() (line 276 of /home/scientia/domains/scientiasocialis.lt/public_html/jbse/modules/biblio/includes/biblio_theme.inc).

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH FEMALE STUDENTS’ CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF ATOMIC ORBITALS AND HYBRIDISATION

Title	FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH FEMALE STUDENTS’ CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF ATOMIC ORBITALS AND HYBRIDISATION
Publication Type	Journal Article
Year of Publication	2026
Authors	Mawutor, JD, Adu-Gyamfi, K
Journal	Journal of Baltic Science Education
Volume	25
Issue	1
Start Page	151-172
Pagination	continuous
Date Published	February/2026
Type of Article	Original article
ISSN	1648-3898
Other Numbers	E-ISSN 2538-7138
Keywords	All-female schools, factor analysis, female chemistry students, motivation, SDG5
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 upper-secondary 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.
URL	https://journals.indexcopernicus.com/search/article?articleId=4765177
DOI	10.33225/jbse/26.25.151
Refereed Designation	Refereed
Full Text