The Effects of Large Amounts of Data in Math Problems on the Reasoning of Students in the End of Cycle 2 (Grade 6)
Farah Baraké, Naim EL-Rouadi

Abstract
In order to study the effect of unnecessary data in the problem, we made an experiment with students in grade 6. We proposed one math exercise in two different forms: the first containing a large number of data, and the second containing only the necessary data in an organized way. The solution in both problems is the same and is relatively easy once the necessary data is selected. Our results show that very few students were able to make a good selection and use of the data and give a correct answer. We have concluded from our study that 6th grade students are very easily disrupted when the amount of data given in the problem gets larger. They lack the main transversal competencies that allow them to read and understand the problem and the question, to organize and pick the useful data, as well as to formulate a comprehensible answer.

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