Analisis Kemampuan Koneksi Matematis Siswa Kelas VIII Dalam Menyelesaikan Soal Cerita Statistika Ditinjau Dari Kemampuan Matematika

This study aims to analyze students’ mathematical connection abilities in
solving statistics word problems based on their levels of mathematical ability
(high, medium, and low). A qualitative descriptive approach was employed
involving eighth-grade students at SMPN 9 Palu. Data were collected through
written tests and semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the Miles and
Huberman model. The findings reveal qualitative differences in how students construct mathematical connections. High-ability students demonstrate well structured and flexible connections by integrating statistical concepts,
arithmetic operations, and real-life contexts. Medium-ability students are able
to establish connections, but these tend to be procedural and lack conceptual
depth. In contrast, low-ability students exhibit fragmented understanding and
experience difficulties in linking concepts, representations, and real-life
applications. This study highlights that mathematical connection ability is
closely related to the depth of conceptual understanding rather than merely
procedural competence. The novelty of this study lies in revealing distinct
patterns of mathematical connections across different ability levels within the
specific context of statistics word problems. The findings provide implications
for designing instructional strategies that explicitly support the development
of mathematical connections in classroom practice.