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Psychometric Properties of the Revised Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale

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Abstract

An exploratory factor analysis and several confirmatory analyses were performed to evaluate the factorial structure of the Revised Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale (RMARS) through the responses of 805 college students. On 559 students’ scores, the instrument’s construct validity was tested through a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and was found to be inadequate. An exploratory factor analysis suggested a modification by dropping five items. After the modification, a second CFA showed that the modified model fit the theoretical model well. Cross-validation of the modified model was tested on a different sample of 246 students and was found to be satisfactory. In addition, concurrent validity of the instrument was found from significant relationships between the modified RMARS scores and students’ self-perceptions of their general and current mathematics anxiety levels. The modified RMARS is valid and reliable and could be used as a screening tool, a placement tool, or a research tool.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Educational Sciences, Gaziosmanpasa University, College of Education, Tokat, 60110, Turkey

    Mustafa Baloğlu

  2. Texas A&M University, Commerce, USA

    Paul F. Zelhart

Authors
  1. Mustafa Baloğlu
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  2. Paul F. Zelhart
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Correspondence to Mustafa Baloğlu.

Additional information

The authors express their gratitude to two anonymous reviewers, whose comments and suggestions led to a more comprehensive paper. Special thanks to Philip Brady, Ph.D., for allowing us to use a data set (Bowd & Brady, 2002).

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Baloğlu, M., Zelhart, P.F. Psychometric Properties of the Revised Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale. Psychol Rec 57, 593–611 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03395597

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