| Math anxiety is the feeling of tension or anxiety when doing or anticipating math. It can lead to math-avoidance, thereby denying career options since the majority of college majors require some advanced math.;For this study, university students taking entry-level algebra were tested for math anxiety. Those scoring below the mean, (higher anxiety), and volunteering, were assigned to non-treatment control or ten week T.A. Training. Subjects were pre and posttested with modified Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Attitudes Scales and the Attributional Style Questionnaire. Achievement was measured by pre and post-study tests given by the professor. A one-way Analysis of Covariance was then performed.;The Training Group showed improvement on the "Usefulness of Math" scale at p = .05, and the "Composite" scale of all math attitudes at the p = .06 level. Other data were non-significant, although a positive trend was noted on several Attitude and Attributional Scales. Overall, the program helped change attitudes toward math and increased one's likelihood of finding math useful.;Math anxiety can be related to cognitions about causes of failure. Many children and adults have a "learned-helplessness" toward math. They tend to attribute failure to internal deficiencies, see it as likely to recur in future math-related situations, and view it as unchangeable. To protect their self-esteem, they may encapsulate math within a belief system, called in Transactional Analysis, (T.A.), the "math script." One example of this is: "I don't have a mathematical mind.". |
