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Barnett Thesis 2024 Final.pdf (1.52 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Recalculating Avoidance: Math Anxiety Predicts Avoidance of Effortful Problem Solving

Barnett, Mariel Kate
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7221-8728
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1712315770835256

Abstract Details

2024, Master of Arts, Case Western Reserve University, Psychology.
Math anxiety is a pervasive issue in higher education often associated with poor performance outcomes. A hypothesized reason for this association is that individuals with math anxiety avoid effortful math-related activities. However, there is little empirical evidence demonstrating a math anxiety–math effort avoidance association. Further, assuming such an association, it remains uncertain what mechanism drives this relationship and whether manipulations, such as exposure, can attenuate the math anxiety–math avoidance link. Here, I demonstrate that (a) math anxiety is associated with math effort avoidance, (b) multiple mechanisms appear to drive this relationship, primarily reactive fear, and (c) an exposure manipulation increases math effort, but not for those with higher levels of math anxiety. Understanding potential mechanisms underlying the math anxiety–poor math performance relationship, along with which interventions are effective, is critical for fostering math achievement.
Brooke Macnamara (Committee Chair)
Lee Thompson (Committee Member)
Robert Greene (Committee Member)
69 p.
Cognitive Psychology; Education; Education Policy; Mathematics Education; Psychology; Public Policy; Science Education; Secondary Education
math anxiety; math effort avoidance; effort avoidance; math performance; poor math performance; exposure

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Barnett, M. K. (2024). Recalculating Avoidance: Math Anxiety Predicts Avoidance of Effortful Problem Solving [Master's thesis, Case Western Reserve University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1712315770835256

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Barnett, Mariel. Recalculating Avoidance: Math Anxiety Predicts Avoidance of Effortful Problem Solving. 2024. Case Western Reserve University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1712315770835256.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Barnett, Mariel. "Recalculating Avoidance: Math Anxiety Predicts Avoidance of Effortful Problem Solving." Master's thesis, Case Western Reserve University, 2024. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1712315770835256

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

case1712315770835256
146
© 2024, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies and OhioLINK.