A Search for the Mathematical Component of Math Anxiety

Abstract

This study tested the hypothesis that numeric anxiety is associated with rigidity in problem solving and with deficiencies in spatial skills. Subjects were 204 college students, who completed an assortment of attitude tests as well as tests of mathematical or spatial skills. All variables were controlled statistically for prior exposure to math. The hypothesis was moderately supported among males and only marginally supported among females. Moreover, numeric anxiety could not be distinguished from test anxiety. Correlational patterns suggested that anxiety was a more pervasive, significant, and monolithic factor for females than it was for males. A possible inference was that females are particularly sensitive to evaluative situations.