The Abbreviated Math Anxiety Scale (AMAS): construction, validity, and reliability

Assessment. 2003 Jun;10(2):178-82. doi: 10.1177/1073191103010002008.

Abstract

Psychometric properties of mathematics anxiety measures have not adequately been studied. Using a large sample size (N = 1,239), the authors developed an abbreviated math anxiety measure, examined its psychometric properties, and assessed the generalizability of the model across samples. Exploratory factor analysis yielded a nine-item measure and strong internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and good convergent/divergent validity was demonstrated with an independent sample. When administered to a replication sample, indexes suggested an excellent model fit. TheAbbreviated Math Anxiety Scale (AMAS) may represent a more parsimonious and valid approach to assess mathematics anxiety.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety / psychology*
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mathematics*
  • Models, Psychological
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychometrics*
  • Reproducibility of Results