The Analysis of Students’ Errors in Solving Mathematics Higher Order Thinking Skill Problems based on Watson Criteria

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the students' errors in solving HOTS mathematical problems of quadratic functions based on Watson's criteria viewed from students' mathematical connection abilities. This type of study is qualitative research. Subjects of the study were selected by giving a mathematical connection ability test to grade IX-2 of SMPN 30 Makassar. From the test results, 3 students with different mathematics abilities (high, average, and low) were selected.  Then, the subjects were given a mathematics-written HOTS test and did an interview. The errors were analyzed using Watson's categories, which consist of 8 types. The results show that subject ST performed procedural and conceptual errors; the types are inappropriate procedures and response level conflict. Subject SS performed conceptual errors that are connections between concepts accompanied by procedural errors, inappropriate procedure, omitted data, omitted conclusion, response level conflict, undirected manipulation, and skills hierarchy problem. Subject SR performed errors generally caused by the low ability to connect concepts, so that problem solving becomes incomplete, accompanied by procedural and conceptual errors, inappropriate data, inappropriate procedure, omitted conclusion, response level conflict, undirected manipulation, and skills hierarchy problem.