Modified Fennema Sherman Mathematics Attitude Scale

The Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Attitude Scale measures student attitudes towards mathematics. The survey consists of 4 subscales, each designed to measure confidence, math as a male domain, teacher perception, and usefulness.

Average Review: (4.0)

Supplemental Information:

n/a

Assessment Type:

Self-assessment

Scale:

5-point Likert scale

Publication Date:

Nov 16, 1980

Respondent:

1600 high school students

Domain(s) Evaluated:

Attitude / Behavior

Sample items:

Math will not be important to me in my life's work.
a. Strongly Disagree
b. Disagree
c. Unsure
d. Agree
e. Strongly Agree

Males are not naturally better than females in math.
a. Strongly Disagree
b. Disagree
c. Unsure
d. Agree
e. Strongly Agree

Getting a teacher to take me seriously in math is a problem.
a. Strongly Disagree
b. Disagree
c. Unsure
d. Agree
e. Strongly Agree

Reliability:

Blended survey CA = 0.924

Validity:

Established

Frequency:

Rarely

Administration time:

0 minutes

Requires a Computer:

Requires Internet Access:

Primary reference:

Fennema, E., & Sherman, J. (1976). Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Attitudes Scales. JSAS Catalog of Selected Documents in Psychology, 6(1), 31

Comments:

Although our publication date says "1980," the correct publication date is 1976, as cited in the primary reference.

Other References:
Two of the nine instruments in the Fennema-Sherman Mathematics attitude scale were used in the study due to convenience: personal confidence of students to do mathematics; usefulness of mathematics as perceived by students. No validity and reliability data was given.

Cooper, I. (2013). The Waiting Time: Student Perceptions of Gender Bias in Middle School Mathematics (Maters dissertation). University of Victoria, Victoria.

Made use of this survey in a blended format with three other surveys. Ran an internal consistency test using Cronbach's alpha finding 0.924 for all three surveys.

Mohamed, L. & Waheed, H. (2011). Secondary Students' Attitudes towards Mathematics in a Selected School of Maldives. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 1(15) 277-281.