Analysis of the 2023 International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) Biological Field Questions

Abstract

This study analyzed the biology questions of the 2023 International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) by content area and question type, evaluating students' misresponse rates and problem-solving abilities. The analysis revealed that knowledge-type questions were somewhat more frequently posed, with a particular emphasis on the structure and function of animals in the theory questions. The high accuracy rates in reasoning-type questions reflect positive changes in the educational curriculum. However, relatively low accuracy rates were recorded for questions related to ecology and basic knowledge of animal tissues, which were identified as not being sufficiently covered in the national curriculum. Consequently, there is a need to strengthen education in ecology and provide systematic instruction in basic knowledge. Additionally, to achieve high scores in experimental questions, enhancement of various experimental approach skills is necessary. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to understanding international trends in biology education and to devising effective educational strategies.