SOME PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS AS PREDICTORS OF STUDENTS’ ATTITUDE TOWARDS MATHEMATICS IN TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN WESTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Mathematics serves as a strong reinforcement that enables the students to develop logical, abstract thinking and the ability to recognise, formulate and evaluate problems in their different fields. The knowledge gained from mathematics is expected to be applied to the courses offered in technical and vocational institutions. This study examined the effect of some psychological factors on students’ attitudes towards mathematics. This was designed specifically to consider the effect of interest in mathematics, mathematics phobia, and perceived usefulness of mathematics on students’ attitudes towards mathematics. Data was collected using the Students’ Questionnaire (SQ). A correlational analysis showed a positive relationship among the variables of the study. The result revealed that 77% of the variation in students’ attitude towards mathematics was accounted for by the independent variables (interest, mathematics phobia and perceived usefulness of mathematics). It is therefore recommended that all the psychological factors examined should be treated and made right in order to improve students’ attitude towards mathematics in technical and vocational institutions for learning effectiveness in mathematics.