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Unraveling the interplay between math anxiety and math achievement
Nathan T T Lau1, Daniel Ansari1, H Moriah Sokolowski2
1Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
Trends in Cognitive Sciences
|August 15, 2024
Summary
Math anxiety negatively impacts math achievement. This review proposes math avoidance as a key mediator, creating a feedback loop that worsens anxiety and lowers proficiency.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- A strong link exists between math anxiety and math achievement.
- Math proficiency is vital for individuals and society.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review theories on math anxiety and achievement.
- To propose math avoidance as a critical mediator.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing theories: Reduced Competency Theory and Processing Efficiency Theory.
- Introduction of 'math avoidance' as a proposed mediator.
Main Results:
- Existing theories explain parts of the relationship but not fully.
- Math avoidance may create a feedback loop exacerbating anxiety and reducing achievement.
Conclusions:
- Math avoidance is a critical factor linking math anxiety and achievement.
- Further research is needed to explore the role of avoidance behaviors.
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