e-ISSN: 2618-6586 Open Access · Peer-Reviewed JETOL on DergiPark
JETOL — Journal of Educational Technology & Online Learning
Publisher
Gürhan Durak
Publication Model
Periodical (January – May – September)
Status
Open for Submissions

Publication volume and educational performance: Unraveling the global connection between STEM research and PISA scores with a focus on Türkiye

Research Article

Download PDF DOI: 10.31681/jetol.1932044
Published in
Volume 9, Issue 2 (2026)
Pages
238–254
Publication Date
May 31, 2026
Submission Date
April 17, 2026
Acceptance Date
May 24, 2026
Subjects
STEM Education

Abstract

This study addresses a critical gap in understanding the relationship between countries’ STEM research output and their educational performance as measured by PISA scores. While prior studies have examined STEM education policies in connection with PISA, limited attention has been paid to whether higher STEM research output correlates with improved outcomes in reading, mathematics, and science. Using bibliometric analysis, we examined STEM-related publications from 1999 onward and analyzed correlations between publication volumes in the exam year and the preceding year, and PISA literacy scores. The dataset included 6,669 publications from Web of Science and Scopus, along with PISA scores for countries with no more than one missed participation since 2000. Findings indicate that the United States is the most collaborative country in STEM research, with Türkiye and several other nations frequently contributing. However, high publication output—such as that of the U.S. and Canada—does not correspond to high PISA scores, whereas countries with lower research volume, such as Finland, consistently perform well. A strong negative correlation was identified between STEM publication volume and PISA performance, suggesting a statistically inverse association, though no causal or directional inference is implied. This study offers a novel perspective by reversing the conventional focus: rather than examining how PISA impacts academic output, it investigates how academic STEM research activity relates to educational outcomes. Particular attention is given to Türkiye’s position within this global landscape, providing context-specific insights with implications for aligning national research priorities with educational goals.

Keywords

  • STEM education
  • PISA
  • bibliometric analysis
  • research productivity
  • international collaboration
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