EEG correlates of math anxiety during arithmetic problem solving: Implication for attention deficits.
Jie Liu1, Jinqi Li1, Weiwei Peng2
1Center for Brain Disorders and Cognitive Neuroscience, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
Neuroscience Letters
|April 1, 2019
Summary
High math anxiety is linked to increased brain activity when anticipating and solving math problems. Individuals with math anxiety may dedicate more attention to math tasks, impacting performance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Math anxiety negatively impacts academic and professional outcomes.
- The neural mechanisms underlying math anxiety during arithmetic tasks are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how elevated math anxiety affects brain activity during arithmetic problem anticipation and solving.
Main Methods:
- Electrophysiological responses were recorded during arithmetic problem anticipation and solving.
- Participants' brain activity was analyzed, focusing on beta, P300, and gamma band oscillations.
- Mathematical performance was controlled for in the analysis.
Main Results:
- Higher math anxiety correlated with stronger beta band oscillations and P300 amplitude during problem anticipation.
- Elevated math anxiety was associated with increased gamma band activity during problem solving.
- These effects persisted after controlling for mathematical performance.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with high math anxiety may utilize more attentional resources when anticipating math problems.
- Math anxiety appears to create a greater attentional bias towards arithmetic problems during task engagement.
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