Adaptation and validation of mathematics anxiety: Rasch and network psychometrics analysis

Abstract

The purpose of learning process is achieved if there is a change of paradigm, mindset, and behaviour of students. This is also happening in the process of mathematics subject. Concepts, applications and analysis are needed in achieving the goals of learning mathematics. However, various variables can affect the process of transformation of learning materials, such as the condition of students' anxiety toward math subject. Deep exploration and analysis of the anxiety condition is needed to observe the student's difficult condition at the time of study and after the learning process. For that purpose, it needs a robust measuring tool in estimating students' mathematical anxiety conditions. This research aims to adapt and validate the inventory of Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale - Elementary Form (MARS-E) through systematic methods. The study involved 127 students from grades 3 rd to 6 th elementary schools. The findings of the research indicate that MARS-E is valid and reliable measurement tools that can measure students' anxiety condition toward mathematics, the condition of connectivity between items presented through network analysis, and anxiety level through Rasch analysis. The findings of this research are believed to be disseminated at the elementary schools in Indonesia.