Statistical Analysis of ICT Familiarity Among Students Using PISA Data: A Focus on the United Kingdom

Cecilia Mumba Chola

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

The objective of this thesis is to examine the levels of ICT familiarity among students in the UK and its relationship with academic performance in mathematics and science, using the PISA 2018 dataset. The study also investigates differences in ICT use and perceived competence across gender, school type, and socioeconomic and cultural status groups. ICT familiarity is introduced as a multifaceted construct, drawing on theories of digital divide, the technology acceptance model (TAM), and self-determination theory (SDT). These theoretical perspectives provide a framework for assessing engagement and disparities in ICT familiarity among students. The study employs a quantitative methodology, utilising both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicate that students in the United Kingdom have early access and exposure to ICT, with widespread availability of ICT resources at home and at school. However, students' use of ICT in the classroom for subject-related activities is below the OECD average. The results further reveal a second level of digital divide in ICT use and competence across gender, school type and socio-economic groups. Furthermore, perceived ICT autonomy and the use of ICT outside lessons for subject-related purposes are positively associated with achievement in both mathematics and science. In contrast, ICT interest is negatively associated with academic achievement. ICT use in class during lessons for subject-related use and ICT competence has no significant relationship with mathematics and science. The findings highlight that although certain ICT constructs are positively associated with academic achievement, the overall association is relatively weak.

Keywords

ICT use, ICT autonomy, ICT interest, UK students, PISA, academic achievement, Mathematics, ICT familiarity, Science

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 16. 3. 2026

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 25. 5. 2026
• Supervisor: prof. Ing. Jindřich Špička, Ph.D.
• Reader: Jitka Sirohi, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Economics and Management

Bachelor programme:
Economics and Management