Sex- and age-related differences in mathematics
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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Multimedia Battery for Assessment of Cognitive and Basic Skills in Mathematics (BM-PROMA)
Published on: August 28, 2021
Ruth Rustemeyer1, Natalie Fischer
1Institut für Psychologie, Universitaet Koblenz-Landau, Campus Koblenz, Universitaetsstr. 1, D-56070 Koblenz, Germany. ruste@uni-koblenz.de
Abstract:
This study examined sex differences and age-related changes in mathematics based on Eccles's 1985 expectancy-value model of "achievement-related choices" and Dweck's 1986 motivation-process model. We have assessed motivational variables and performance in mathematics for youth in Grades 5, 7, and 9 in a German comprehensive secondary school. Significant sex differences in Grades 7 and 9 were observed even when school marks were controlled for. Furthermore, the results indicated differences between Grade 7 and Grade 9 on most of the motivational variables. Older students show a less favorable motivational pattern. Our results give evidence of the importance of motivational encouragement in mathematics classes, especially for girls and low achieving learners.
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