Abstract

• The aim of this study is to investigate the perceptual reasoning ability of middle school students in Shwebo Township, Sagaing Region. Perceptual reasoning ability was investigated to find out whether there were significant differences by gender, by locality and by age. Moreover, the relationship between the students’ perceptual reasoning ability and their problem solving skill was also investigated. A total of 636 Grade 9 students (320 males and 316 females) from Shwebo Township in Sagaing Region participated in this study. The quantitative research design and the descriptive survey method were used. As research instruments; perceptual reasoning ability test: PRAT (30 items) and problem solving skill questionnaire (20 items) was developed to measure students’ perceptual reasoning ability and problem solving skill. PRAT was adapted from Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – IV (WAIS – IV) which included four categories namely block design, visual puzzles, matrix reasoning and picture completion. In analyzing the data, descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, one way ANOVA, and correlation technique were used. According to the result of findings, the level of perceptual reasoning ability of middle school students was satisfactory. Moreover, based on the results, students’ perceptual reasoning ability was found to be significantly and positively correlated with their problem solving skill (r=.163, p<.01). In sum up, research findings indicated that students’ perceptual reasoning ability should be enhanced by using various ways and it also played a vital role in their future success.