Math Anxiety and its Relation to the Success of Mathematical Problems
Math Anxiety and its Relation to the Success of Mathematical Problems

Summary/Abstract: Math anxiety is widespread problem described as worry and tension while doing mathematics. The aim of research is to determine whether there is a correlation between math anxiety and the performance of elementary school students in solving mathematical problems at the second level. . The theoretical part of the thesis contains information and empirical findings about math anxiety and solving mathematical problems. The research sample was comprised of 138 (46,38 % girls and 53,62 % boys) 9th grade elementary learners from Slovak republic. The data were collected by the questionnaire of our own design comprising: the modified abbreviated math anxiety scale, the state-trait anxiety inventory, and the math test. Quantitative data analysis methods included descriptive statistics and Spearman coefficient as a measurement of correlation between variables. The results have revealed that mathematics anxiety has significant correlation (R = - 0.401; p = 1,09216.10-6, p < 0.01) with the success of mathematical problems and significant correlation (R = 0.608; p = 2,44249.10-15, p < 0.01) with the mathematics achievement. 36,23 % of the participants reported high math anxiety, and a further 18% were at least somewhat affected by it. The results confirm that the mAMAS questionnaire is an appropriate tool for determining the level of mathematical anxiety among pupils in Slovakia.

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