Numerical processes and mathematical anxiety in UK and Russian University students.

Mathematical anxiety (MA) has been shown to be related to poor performance in mathematics exams, as well as to avoidance of mathematical subjects in higher education and mathematics-related careers choices, even among students of high potential. This study investigated the relationship of MA and
a number of mathematically relevant cognitive traits in UK and Russian University students. The cognitive traits included number sense, spatial ability, IQ, aptitude for mathematics and knowledge of numerical vocabulary. No sex differences in levels of MA were observed. The levels of MA were also similar in the two countries. No correlations were found between MA and mathematically relevant cognitive traits. A relationship between IQ and MA was found in the Russian participants