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Psychometric properties of abbreviated math anxiety scale in Russian high schoolers

https://doi.org/10.29413/ABS.2024-9.1.16

Abstract

Background. Math anxiety is a state of fear and anxiety that an individual experiences when interacting with mathematical problems. Currently, there is a lack of questionnaires to measure mathematical anxiety for Russian-speaking schoolchildren.

The aim. The study analyzed the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Abbreviated Math Anxiety Scale (AMAS).

Materials and methods. The study involved 1,198 schoolchildren in grades 10–11. The psychometric properties of the AMAS were analyzed.

Results. AMAS demonstrated bifactor structure: subscales of Learning Math Anxiety (LMA) and Math Evaluation Anxiety (MEA) and general scale of Math Anxiety. The bifactor model demonstrated the best fit indices. Analysis confirmed reliable internal consistency (Cronbach’s alphas for LMA  =  0.82, MEA  =  0.75, total AMAS  =  0.95). External validity of AMAS has been confirmed. LMA showed lower scores than MEA. The distribution of scores on the general AMAS scale was shifted to low values. Girls showed higher scores on all scales of the questionnaire. The analysis also confirmed measurement invariance for both boys and girls.

Conclusion. Based on the analysis, we can conclude that the AMAS is a valid tool for assessing mathematical anxiety in high school students.

About the Authors

J. A. Marakshina
Russian Academy of Education
Russian Federation

Julia A. Marakshina – Cand. Sc. (Psychol.), Chief Analyst at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Education,

Pogodinskaya str. 8, Moscow 119121



A. A. Pavlova
Russian Academy of Education
Russian Federation

Anna A. Pavlova – Chief Specialist at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Education, 

Pogodinskaya str. 8, Moscow 119121



V. I. Ismatullina
Federal Research Center of Psychological and Interdisciplinary Studies
Russian Federation

Victoria I. Ismatullina – Cand. Sc. (Psychol.), Leading Research Officer at the Laboratory of Developmental Behavioral Genetics,

Mokhovaya str. 9 buiding 4, Moscow 125009



M. M. Lobaskova
Russian Academy of Education
Russian Federation

Marina M. Lobaskova – Cand. Sc. (Psychol.), Chief Specialist at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Education, 

Pogodinskaya str. 8, Moscow 119121



T. V. Adamovich
Russian Academy of Education
Russian Federation

Timofey V. Adamovich – Chief Specialist at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Education, 

Pogodinskaya str. 8, Moscow 119121



S. A. Mironets
Russian Academy of Education
Russian Federation

Sofia A. Mironets – Chief Specialist at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Education, 

Pogodinskaya str. 8, Moscow 119121



M. A. Sitnikova
Russian Academy of Education
Russian Federation

Maria A. Sitnikova – Cand. Sc. (Psychol.), Chief Analyst at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Education, 

Pogodinskaya str. 8, Moscow 119121



S. B. Malykh
Russian Academy of Education; Federal Research Center of Psychological and Interdisciplinary Studies
Russian Federation

Sergey B. Malykh – Dr. Sc. (Psychol.), Academic Advisor of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Education, Pogodinskaya str. 8, Moscow 119121;

Head of the Laboratory of Developmental Behavioral Genetics, Mokhovaya str. 9 buiding 4, Moscow 125009



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Review

For citations:


Marakshina J.A., Pavlova A.A., Ismatullina V.I., Lobaskova M.M., Adamovich T.V., Mironets S.A., Sitnikova M.A., Malykh S.B. Psychometric properties of abbreviated math anxiety scale in Russian high schoolers. Acta Biomedica Scientifica. 2024;9(1):151-160. https://doi.org/10.29413/ABS.2024-9.1.16

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