How Do Students’ Mathematics Self-Efficacy, Mathematics Self-Concept and Mathematics Anxiety Influence Mathematical Literacy? — A Comparison between Shanghai-China and Sweden in PISA 2012

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this thesis is to examine the differences in the influence of student’s Mathematics self-efficacy, Mathematics self-concept and Mathematics anxiety on their mathematical literacy between Shanghai-China and Sweden, while taking students’ economic, social and cultural status (ESCS) into consideration.

Theory: Social cognitive theory proposed by Bandura (2011) indicates self-efficacy is regarded as individuals’ conviction of their capability of solving issues and pursuing desirable achievement. Self-concept and anxiety are closely related to self-efficacy according to recent research. In PISA 2012, the related constructs in Mathematics are Mathematics self-efficacy, Mathematics self-concept and Mathematics anxiety.

Method: Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is applied to the data analysis with the help of Statistic Software Program SPSS and Mplus. Applying data from the Programme For International Student Assessment (PISA) 2012, measurement properties of students’ Mathematics self-efficacy, Mathematics self-concept, and Mathematics anxiety are explored in the two education systems. The underlying dimensions in these aforementioned constructs are captured in terms of latent variables. These identified latent variables are in a later step related to mathematical literacy achievement.

Results: Mathematics self-efficacy is found to be the strongest factor of students’ mathematical literacy in both Shanghai-China and Sweden. Mathematics anxiety has a negative effect contribution to mathematical literacy in these two countries. Compared with Sweden, students from Shanghai-China have a higher level of Mathematics self-efficacy, but lower levels of Mathematics self-concept contributing to higher mathematical literacy. Students’ economic, social and cultural status plays a more important role in influencing Mathematics literacy in Sweden.