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ERIC Number: ED270497
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1986-Apr
Pages: 28
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Factor Analysis: A Tool for Studying Mathematics Anxiety.
McAuliffe, Elizabeth A.; Trueblood, Cecil R.
Mathematics anxiety and its relationship to other constructs was studied in 138 preservice elementary and special education teachers. The students, primarily women, were enrolled in a variety of professional courses and field experiences. Five instruments were administered, their factor structures were determined, and intercorrelations among the factors of the tests were examined: Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale (MARS), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Suydam-Trueblood Attitude Toward Mathematics Scale (MAS), Askov-Trueblood Attitude Toward Reading Scale (RAS), and Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI). In addition, the relationship of the MARS to the other tests and to other student variables was investigated: age, grade point average, teaching preference, and number of high school and college mathematics courses. Principal components analysis was used to determine the factor structure of the tests. After weighting and additional refactoring were performed, the results indicated the following factors: (1) for the MARS--evaluation, performance, and quantification; (2) STAI--state anxiety and trait anxiety; (3) MAS--feelings toward mathematics in general, mathematics performance, and mathematics class; (4) RAS--feelings toward reading in general and in the classroom; and (5) TAI--emotionality and worry. MARS scores correlated significantly and positively with STAI, MAS, and TAI total scores. (Factor loadings and specific items are included). A reference list is appended. (GDC)
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Researchers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale; State Trait Anxiety Inventory; Test Anxiety Inventory
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A