An Exploratory Study Explaining the Causes of Success in Science Olympiads: A Multilevel Analysis with Different Units

In this study, to discover the causes for the success of students and schools in scientific Olympiads with two separate analysis units, a minimal theoretical framework was set based on the coexistence of different analytical levels.

In this research, two strategies of Grounded Theory (GT) and comparative case study were used. The number of cases studied in both studies was 10 (ten successful students, five successful schools, and five unsuccessful schools). For the validity and reliability of the measuring instrument, the intercoder agreement and the review of the results by the members and in the comparative study of real and theoretical repetition were used.

This study showed that students' success in scientific Olympiads is a function of the constructive interaction of the two main institutions (school Olympiad atmosphere and attracting family support) and regional success experience. Other factors such as student cognitive interest, the attractiveness of Olympiad competition, and external incentives are also important. The results of comparative analysis of schools are parallel to the results of the above research and complement it, as the results showed that among the successful schools, almost all the main criteria, including the seminar to introduce parents to attract their support, educational counseling, and classes by former medalists, among other factors, determine the success of schools.

According to the findings, it should be said that the success of students and schools in the scientific Olympiad is affected by several factors at the micro, Intermediate, and macro levels, including the quality of the actors to the synergistic atmosphere of school and family.