Effects of abstract thinking and familiarity with programming languages on computer programming ability in high schools

Due to the increase in the importance of coding education, the research about the factors that affect the computer programming has been performed. This paper analyzed the relationship among abstract thinking, familiarity with programming languages, and programming ability. To achieve our research goals, we surveyed 226 high school students on their thinking styles and programming ability. We found that there existed a moderating effect on programming ability between abstract thinking and familiarity. From this research, we can provide a new educational method to improve high school students´ programming skills by educating them to increase their abstract thinking ability.