578
International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies, 6(3) 2023, pages: 578-585
ISSN: 2617-6548
URL: www.ijirss.com
A study of factors causing math anxiety among undergraduate students
Altanchimeg Zanabazar
1
, Amartuvshin Deleg
2*
, Magsar Ravdan
3
1
Management Department, Business School, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
2,3
Department of Mathematics and Science, Teacher’s School, Mongolian National University of Education, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Corresponding author: Amartuvshin Deleg (Email: amartuvshind@msue.edu.mn)
Abstract
Mathematics is a subject with numerous applications in everyday life but it is often viewed as difficult leading to math
anxiety among students. This anxiety can limit students' career options and affect their success. To address this issue, we
investigated the factors contributing to math anxiety among university and college students. This study focused on students
from the National University of Mongolia (NUM) and the Mongolian State University of Education (MSUE). We used the
Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale questionnaire (A-MARS) developed in 1972 by Richardson and Suinn and conducted
various statistical tests including factor analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis to analyze the data. Our results
show that teacher-related factors have a strong negative correlati on with math anxiety (β=-0.583) while family-related
factors (β=-0.311) and student-related factors (β=-0.133) have weaker correlations. Possible explanations for these findings
include inadequate teaching and professional skills, poor communication between students and teachers, heavy task loads
and outdated resources. This study highlights the importance of these factors to reduce math anxiety and promote success
in mathematics education.
Keywords: Family-related factors, Learner-related factors, Math anxiety, School-related factors, Teacher-related factors, Undergraduate
students.
DOI: 10.53894/ijirss.v6i3.1609
Funding: This study received no specific financial support.
History: Received: 7 February 2023/Revised: 12 April 2023/Accepted: 26 April 2023/Published: 3 May 2023
Copyright: © 2023 by the authors. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative
Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Authors’ Contributions: All authors contributed equally to the conception and design of the study.
Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Transparency: The authors confirm that the manuscript is an honest, accurate, and transparent account of the study; that no vital
features of the study have been omitted; and that any discrepancies from the study as planned have been explained.
Ethical Statement: The study for the manuscript was conducted in accordance with the ethical code of conduct for faculty members
and students at the National University of Mongolia. Available at: https://www.num.edu.mn/Home/Content/399.
Publisher: Innovative Research Publishing
1. Introduction
Although an increase in worldwide dependency on technology boosts the demand for professionals with mathematical
science backgrounds and logical thoughts. However, there is a growing tendency among students to avoid studying
mathematics. The current inclination is related to the common perception of math as a complex discipline and a difficult
subject. Various researchers have researched the new trend prevalent among students. It prevents students from achieving