INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MATHEMATICS PHOBIA AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN CHEMISTRY AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL CHEMISTRY STUDENTS IN OTUOCHA EDUCATION ZONE

  • NAOMI NKIRU SAMUEL Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
  • JULIANA NKIRU NNOLI Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, State, Nigeria.
  • ISAAC CHUKWUDI ITESHI Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Keywords: Relationship, Phobia, Mathematics, Chemistry, Students, Academic achievement

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between mathematics phobia and academic achievement in chemistry among senior secondary school students in Otuocha Education Zone. Four research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. Correlational survey research design was employed. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 243 senior secondary school chemistry students from a total population 620 SS2 students in Otuocha Education Zone. Mathematics Phobia Scale (MPS) and Chemistry Achievement Test (CAT) which were validated by experts, were instruments used for data collection. Data were analyzed using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient and the null hypotheses were tested at .05 level of significance. Results revealed that 52.7% of chemistry students experienced mathematics phobia. A significant negative relationship existed between mathematics phobia and chemistry achievement (β = -0.168, P < .05). No significant relationship was found between mathematics phobia and chemistry achievement based on gender (β = -0.121, P > .05). Implications for chemistry teachers, students, curriculum developers, examination bodies, authors, government, and future researchers are discussed. Recommendations were however made.

Author Biographies

NAOMI NKIRU SAMUEL, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Department of Science Education, 

JULIANA NKIRU NNOLI, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, State, Nigeria.

Department of Science Education,

ISAAC CHUKWUDI ITESHI, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Department of Science Education, 

Published
2024-10-12
Issue
Vol 7 No 10 (2024): IJO - INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH (ISSN: 2805-413X)
Section
Articles
Copyright (c) 2024 IJO - International Journal of Educational Research (ISSN: 2805-413X)

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