Lab

Mathematics Anxiety Research Group

Institution: University of Derby

About the lab

The Mathematics Anxiety Research Group (MARG) is involved in a range of research topics with maths anxiety as the central focus. These include, but are not limited to, to the following:-

Attentional processes
Understanding the impact on performance
Reducing the attainment gap
Reducing maths anxiety
Cross cultural comparisons
Measurement
Development

MARG regularly collaborates with a range of researchers from different disciplines. The group also regularly work with stakeholders to support strategies designed to tackle the issue of maths anxiety.

See our website for more information: www.marg.wp.derby.ac.uk

Featured research (15)

Math anxiety affects many people, from young children through to older adults. While there has been debate concerning the developmental trajectory of math anxiety and negative math attitudes, little attention has been given to the role of appraisals of previous math experiences. We surveyed 308 adults (mean age = 27.56 years, SD = 11.25) and assessed self‐reported measures of math anxiety, mathematical resilience, math attitudes, and appraisal of previous math experiences. As hypothesized, all variables were found to be interrelated. Math anxiety was significantly negatively related to appraisal of previous math experiences, mathematical resilience, and math attitudes. Moreover, appraisal of previous math experiences was shown to mediate the relations between (1) math anxiety and math attitudes, and (2) mathematical resilience and math attitudes. The findings demonstrate the importance of considering current appraisals of previous math experiences and are consistent with an interpretation account of math anxiety. This may help inform cognitive‐based interventions that focus on one's interpretation of past events to support current and future math learning and engagement.
An interim project report assessing the relationship between mathematics anxiety, enjoyment, shame, resilience, motivation, subject norm and performance. This report is based on cross-country comparisons involving secondary school students in Pakistan, Iran, and Uganda. Suggested citation: Hunt, T. E, Muwonge, C. M., Ashraf, F., Ansanjarani, F., Kotera, Y., Vione, K., Sheffield, D., Mir, R., & Waldron, M. (2021). Psychological barriers in maths education: Insights from Iran, Pakistan, and Uganda. University of Derby. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.36106.59844/1

Lab head

Thomas E Hunt
About Thomas E Hunt
  • I am a researcher in the field of mathematics anxiety and lead the Mathematics Anxiety Research Group at the University of Derby: www.marg.wp.derby.ac.uk

Members (3)

Katia C. Vione
  • University of Derby
Paul A Staples
  • University of Derby
Michael Waldron
  • University of Derby
David Sheffield
David Sheffield
  • Not confirmed yet
Ovidiu Bagdasar
Ovidiu Bagdasar
  • Not confirmed yet
Ovidiu Bagdasar
Ovidiu Bagdasar
  • Not confirmed yet
Dominic Petronzi
Dominic Petronzi
  • Not confirmed yet
d.gaffiero@derby.ac.uk
d.gaffiero@derby.ac.uk
  • Not confirmed yet
michael waldron
michael waldron
  • Not confirmed yet
rachael addy
rachael addy
  • Not confirmed yet