Cross-Validating a Bidimensional Mathematics Anxiety Scale

    Authors

    H. Y. Bai

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Assessment

    Keywords

    mathematics anxiety; Mathematics Anxiety Scale; mathematics education; psychometric property; factor analysis; RATING-SCALE; MEASUREMENT ERROR; NUMBER; COMPONENTS; ACHIEVEMENT; DIMENSIONS; STUDENTS; Psychology, Clinical

    Abstract

    The psychometric properties of a 14-item bidimensional Mathematics Anxiety Scale-Revised (MAS-R) were empirically cross-validated with two independent samples consisting of 647 secondary school students. An exploratory factor analysis on the scale yielded strong construct validity with a clear two-factor structure. The results from a confirmatory factor analysis indicated an excellent model-fit (chi(2) = 98.32, df = 62; normed fit index = .92, comparative fit index = .97; root mean square error of approximation = .04). The internal consistency (.85), test-retest reliability (.71), interfactor correlation (.26, p < .001), and positive discrimination power indicated that MAS-R is a psychometrically reliable and valid instrument for measuring mathematics anxiety. Math anxiety, as measured by MAS-R, correlated negatively with student achievement scores (r = -.38), suggesting that MAS-R may be a useful tool for classroom teachers and other educational personnel tasked with identifying students at risk of reduced math achievement because of anxiety.

    Journal Title

    Assessment

    Volume

    18

    Issue/Number

    1

    Publication Date

    1-1-2011

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    115

    Last Page

    122

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000286926700013

    ISSN

    1073-1911

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