Mathematical literacy: role of gender and emotional intelligence

Abstract

Many factors can influence an individuals mathematical literacy, and emotional intelligence may also play an important role. In the current study a PISA-style test was used to assess 1st -year science undergraduates mathematical literacy, while a survey explored the students self-efficacy, their attitudes towards mathematics, and their emotional intelligence. Male undergraduates appeared more mathematically proficient (test scores) and confident (selfefficacy scores) than their female counterparts, confirming findings from previous studies which used similar PISA-style mathematical literacy tests. The results of correlation analyses suggest that gender also plays an important role in the relationships under investigation, and that, in terms of mathematical literacy and attitudes towards mathematics, emotional intelligence may play a more significant role in female undergraduates compared with their male counterparts.