title: Cross-validating a bidimensional mathematics anxiety scale.
abstract: The psychometric properties of a 14-item bidimensional Mathematics Anxiety Scale-Revised (MAS-R) were empirically cross-validated with two independent samples consisting of 647 secondary school students. An exploratory factor analysis on the scale yielded strong construct validity with a clear two-factor structure. The results from a confirmatory factor analysis indicated an excellent model-fit (χ(2) = 98.32, df = 62; normed fit index = .92, comparative fit index = .97; root mean square error of approximation = .04). The internal consistency (.85), test-retest reliability (.71), interfactor correlation (.26, p < .001), and positive discrimination power indicated that MAS-R is a psychometrically reliable and valid instrument for measuring mathematics anxiety. Math anxiety, as measured by MAS-R, correlated negatively with student achievement scores (r = -.38), suggesting that MAS-R may be a useful tool for classroom teachers and other educational personnel tasked with identifying students at risk of reduced math achievement because of anxiety.
authors.affiliation: Department of Educational Research, Technology, and Leadership, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA. hbai@mail.ucf.edu
authors.lastname: Haiyan Bai
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008433:Mathematics / Q000193:education*; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000592:standards*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*