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Effects of Math Anxiety and Perfectionism on Timed versus Untimed Math Testing in Mathematically Gifted Sixth Graders
Summary
Math anxiety and perfectionism impact math performance in gifted students. Higher levels of these traits reduce performance differences between timed and untimed tests.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Math anxiety and perfectionism are known to affect academic performance.
- Gifted students may experience unique pressures related to their abilities.
- Timed testing conditions can influence cognitive performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of math anxiety and perfectionism on math performance in gifted sixth graders.
- To compare math performance under timed versus untimed testing conditions.
- To explore potential gender differences in performance and anxiety levels.
Main Methods:
- Participants: Mathematically gifted sixth graders.
- Conditions: Performance assessed under timed and untimed math testing.
- Measures: Math performance, math anxiety, and perfectionism levels.
Main Results:
- Overall math performance declined under timed testing, especially when it preceded untimed testing.
- Higher math anxiety or perfectionism correlated with a smaller performance gap between timed and untimed tests.
- Girls showed a significant performance difference between timed and untimed tests, unlike boys.
Conclusions:
- Timed testing can negatively impact math performance, particularly when administered before untimed conditions.
- Math anxiety and perfectionism may buffer against performance decrements in timed math tests for gifted students.
- Educators should consider the effects of testing conditions and individual student traits on math performance.
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