| Factors influencing students' success in mathematics in general and linear algebra in particular are examined, drawing on the literature of mathematics and science education. Based on the findings from a sample of 14 high achieving university undergraduate students, certain features of theoretical thinking are identified as necessary factors of the students' success in two linear algebra courses.;The nature of the resulting data presented a peculiar problem. An extensive study of the possibility of applying different forms of statistical analysis to these data is conducted from different perspectives on statistical methodology namely, descriptive/exploratory statistics and statistical modeling. A number of indices for measuring theoretical behavior tendencies are defined and a new method of analysis is developed. |
