The purpose of this study was to contribute to greater understanding of the mathematics anxiety construct by: (a) identifying the independent dimensions underlying the item responses on the Math Anxiety Rating Scale (MARS); (b) developing factor scales to measure these dimensions; and (c) determining if specific personal and academic background…

The purposes of the project were to demonstrate the use of desensitization therapy over a short term to treat test-taking anxiety, and to test the hypothesis that such short-term treatment is effective in dealing with anxiety in mathematics courses and thus enhances and facilitates learning in these courses. The research was designed to utilize…

Investigated factors associated with mathematics anxiety in 63 undergraduates who completed four anxiety measures prior to completing three math tasks. Results indicated math anxiety measures were more related to each other than to test anxiety. Ability, physiological and avoidance measures showed little relation to math anxiety. (JAC)

Compared the cognitions of high and low math anxious undergraduates (N=71) who were asked to think aloud while solving mathematical problems. Results showed no anxiety-related differences for either performance or 11 categories of cognitions, and no sex differences in performance or for a linear combination of cognitions. (JAC)

Examined whether mathematics-related self-efficacy mediated the effects of gender and mathematical preparation and achievement on math relatedness of college major choice in 117 undergraduates. Results showed that math self-efficacy predicts both math anxiety and math-related major choices. Gender alone appeared insufficient to explain…

Describes a study comparing the effectiveness of desensitization techniques on the math anxiety and math self-concept of 96 traditional and nontraditional college students enrolled in developmental math classes. Math anxiety decreased for both traditional and nontraditional students after treatment, though it decreased more for traditional…

The hypothesis that previously found effects of self-adapted testing (SAT) are attributable to examinees' having an increased perception of control over a stressful testing situation was studied with 377 college students who took computerized adaptive tests or SAT. The strongest preference for SAT was seen in individuals with the highest…

Presents a study that focuses on Irish and American students' changes in attitude toward mathematics as they make the transition from school to university. Concludes that students from both Ireland and the United States experience negative mathematical attitudes and anxiety. (ASK)

To take math anxiety out of math instruction, teachers need to first know how to easily diagnose it in their students and second, how to analyze causes. Results of a recent study revealed that while students believed that their math anxiety was largely related to a lack of mathematical understanding, they often blamed their teachers for causing…

Although the number of computers in the school system is increasing, many schools are not using computers to their capacity. One reason for this may be computer anxiety on the part of the teacher. A review of the computer anxiety literature reveals little information on the subject, and findings from previous studies suggest that basic controlled…

Investigates the effects of mathematics anxiety and sex on attitudes related to achievement in computer literacy: computer anxiety, computer confidence, and computer liking. Over 350 students in junior high, secondary, and college classes were involved. (MNS)

Investigated sex differences in computer attitude and aptitude and the relationship of these variables, math aptitude, math anxiety, and scholastic achievement to computer involvement among college freshmen (N=941). Sex differences were found in attitudes, computer aptitude, and math prerequisites. Computer aptitude related to math ability and…

This study examined classes at a university within each of four disciplines that differed in the degree to which they emphasized mathematical/quantitative skills. The disciplines were: (1) Social/Behavioral Sciences; (2) Business; (3) Physical Sciences; and (4) Applied Mathematics. A number of distinctive characteristics were found for each…

Investigated the prevalence and correlates of math anxiety among college freshmen (N=1,045) and studied its dimensionality based on one measure of math anxiety, the Math Anxiety Rating Scale (MARS). Results indicated most college freshmen reported low levels of math anxiety and that there were no large sex differences. (Author)

Investigated changes in mathematics anxiety among future teachers in two mathematics materials and methods classes incorporating Bruner's framework of developing conceptual knowledge before procedural knowledge and the use of mathematics manipulatives. Pretest-posttest comparisons showed significant reductions in overall mathematical anxiety,…