Redefining Mathematical Jitters: Pioneering A Scale For Children's Anxiety In Numerical Contexts

Abstract

Mathematical Anxiety is commonly defined as feelings of tension and anxiety that interfere with the manipulation of numbers and the solving of mathematical problems in academic situations and even in daily life. It negatively impacts the academic achievements of children. In this study, a Mathematical Anxiety Scale was developed to evaluate mathematical anxiety among primary school students aged between 8 to 10 years. The scale contains twenty-four items that measure mathematical anxiety in six domains: anxiety in doing mathematical calculations, performing mathematical activities, mathematical thinking, mathematical evaluation and doing everyday mathematical tasks. The validation of the scale was done using the data of 250 girls and 237 boys participants. The frequency analysis using SPSS shows the Mean=41.37, Standard Deviation ( ) =7.01, and Median=40.00 as obtained. The criteria of scores developed are: A score above 54 shows extremely high math anxiety, a score between 46–54 shows high math anxiety while scores 37–45, 29–36, and less than 29 shows moderate math anxiety, low math anxiety, and extremely low math anxiety respectively. The Cronbach Alpha coefficient calculated for the evaluation of the internal consistency was determined as 0.728 and this value shows that the scale had good reliability. With the results of this study, the scale’s content validity was evaluated and it was shown to have acceptable valid features in all.