The Measurement of Mathematics Anxiety (Paperback)

This book covers the current mathematics anxiety literature and focuses on the definitions, nature, causes, measurement, effects, and treatments of the construct of mathematics anxiety. A particular attention is paid to the measurement of mathematics anxiety. Psychometric properties of the RMARS were investigated through a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and was found to be inadequate according to several fit indices. After several modifications, a second CFA of the modified instrument showed adequate properties. Concurrent validity of the instrument was found from significant relationships between the instrument and students' self- perceptions of their general and current mathematics anxiety levels. Reliability coefficients indicated the consistency of the scale's items. We suggest that the instrument may be used by mathematics instructors as a screening tool to detect high-risk students; by college counselors as a placement tool to ameliorate specific areas of the problem; or by researchers as a research tool to study the relationships between mathematics anxiety and other important factors.