Date Approved
5-1-1995
Embargo Period
9-13-2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. in Mathematics Education
Department
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math Education
College
College of Education
Advisor
Sooy, John
Subject(s)
Math anxiety
Disciplines
Science and Mathematics Education
Abstract
The purpose of this five week study was to test any effects that concrete manipulatives had on mathematics anxiety and achievement. Two groups of high school freshmen were selected. A control group (n = 23) was taught using traditional teaching methods of lecture-homework-review-test. An experimental group (n = 20) used concrete manipulatives to reinforce a lesson after it was introduced. Manipulatives replaced worksheets as the sole source of review.
To assess changes in mathematics anxiety in the experimental group, the adolescent version of the Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale (MARS-A) was administered. The researcher used dependent t test procedures to determine if there was a significant change in mathematics anxiety. Both groups were given a test to assess achievement before and after the experiment. Independent t test procedures were used to determine if there was a significant change in achievement.
Based on t tests there was not a significant difference in mathematics anxiety or achievement.
Recommended Citation
Simione, Nicholas R. Brian, "A study to determine the effects that concrete manipulatives have on mathematics anxiety and achievement" (1995). Theses and Dissertations. 2288.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/2288
