Eric.ed.gov – Unisex Math: Narrowing the Gender Gap.

This study examined gender differences in attitudes toward mathematics of undergraduate students. The Attitudes Toward Mathematics Instrument (ATMI) was administered to students enrolled in introductory mathematics classes (Pre-Calculus, Calculus, and Business Calculus) at two Southeast universities, one a large state university and the other one a small private liberal arts college. The subjects of the study were 275 college students; 141 attended the state university and 134 attended the liberal arts college. General linear analysis revealed no significant differences between students from the state university and students from the liberal arts college in any of four factors (self-confidence, value of mathematics, enjoyment of mathematics, and motivation). Also, there were no significant differences between males and females on each of the four factors. These results suggest that gender differences in mathematics were not reflected in this sample. (Contains 10 references.) (Author/SM)