ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF MOTIVATION AND AGE ON MATHEMATICS ANXIETY OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

Secondary school mathematics, with its ever-increasing complexity, can be a source of both fascination and frustration for students. While some embrace the challenge, others grapple with a debilitating fear: mathematics anxiety which can significantly be influenced by motivation and age hence the need to explore this influence prompted this study that sought to investigate the influence of motivation and age on mathematics anxiety. The study employed the expo-facto research design. The population was 16530 secondary school students in 16 secondary schools in Obio-Akpor LGA of Rivers State. A mullti-stage sampling procedure that employed simple random, stratified and purposive was used to draw a sample size of 212 students. Two instruments, the Mathematics Anxiety Scale and the Motivation Scale was used in obtaining data. Validities were established and using Cronbach alpha, reliability coefficients of .73 and .76 was obtained for the two instruments respectively. The data were analyzed r, beta values, simple regressions, t-test associated with simple regression mean, standard deviation and independent t- test, Result showed an influence of motivation on mathematics anxiety that was not significant, it also showed that age had a significant influence on mathematics anxiety. It was recommended amongst others that there should be tailor support services and interventions to address the unique needs of students of different ages; younger students may benefit from targeted interventions focusing on building foundational mathematical skills and fostering a positive attitude toward mathematics while older students may require support in developing effective coping strategies and managing academic pressures.