Type of math task moderates the math anxiety–performance link: basic numerical knowledge shows the weakest correlation (r = −.22) and applied math among the strongest (r = −.31)¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · quant-synthesis r3 · q4 · i2 medium
Currency · newest study 2022 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q4 i2 Math type significantly moderates the math anxiety–performance relationship; basic knowledge tasks show the smallest correlation (r = −.22) while other task types range from −.25 to −.31. → Caviola 2022

Evidence¶

Caviola 2022¶

Caviola, S., Toffalini, E., Giofrè, D., Mercader Ruiz, J., Szűcs, D., & Mammarella, I. C. (2022). Math Performance and Academic Anxiety Forms, from Sociodemographic to Cognitive Aspects: a Meta-analysis on 906,311 Participants. Educational Psychology Review. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-021-09618-5

q4 · i2 · quant-synthesis · r3

Moderation analysis (Table 2: χ2 = 36.42, p < .001) of math type across 78 applied-math, 43 arithmetic, 38 grade, and 10 basic-knowledge studies. Basic knowledge showed "the smallest relationship with math anxiety" at r = −.22; applied math reached r = −.31.

"The latter showed the smallest relationship with math anxiety,r = − .22 [− .34, − .09; p < .001], while all other correlations with math anxiety were moderate and ranged from− .25 [− .28, − .22; p < .001] to − .31 [− .34, − .28; p < .001]."

Discussion¶

Learner Variables¶

• Academic Anxiety — predictor: learners who differ on it differ in outcomes
• Affect Regulation — predictor: learners who differ on it differ in outcomes

Related Claims¶

• Math anxiety has a small-to-moderate negative correlation with math achievement (r = −.28) in a meta-analysis of correlations from 223 studies — a broader claim this one bears on
• Age group significantly but weakly moderates the math anxiety–performance link (children r = −.31 vs adults r = −.25) — related