A Fuzzy Conjoint Analysis of Mathematics Anxiety and Self-Efficacy among Pre-Diploma Students

Authors

  • Jasmani Bidin Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, University Technology MARA (UiTM) Perlis Branch, Arau Campus, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia.
  • Mohamad Najib Mohamad Fadzil Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, University Technology MARA (UiTM) Perlis Branch, Arau Campus, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia.
  • Ku Azlina Ku Akil Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, University Technology MARA (UiTM) Perlis Branch, Arau Campus, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia.
  • Norpah Mahat Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, University Technology MARA (UiTM) Perlis Branch, Arau Campus, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia.
  • Izleen Ibrahim Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, University Technology MARA (UiTM) Perlis Branch, Arau Campus, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia.
  • Sharifah Fhahriyah Syed Abas Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, University Technology MARA (UiTM) Perlis Branch, Arau Campus, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia.
  • Siti Fatimah Abdul Rahman Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, University Technology MARA (UiTM) Perlis Branch, Arau Campus, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia.
  • Noorzila Sharif Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, University Technology MARA (UiTM) Perlis Branch, Arau Campus, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24191/jcrinn.v11i1.568

Keywords:

Mathematics Anxiety, Self-Efficacy, Fuzzy Conjoint Analysis, Pre-Diploma Students, Academic Performance, Educational Psychology

Abstract

Many Pre-Diploma students at University Teknology MARA (UiTM) previously underperformed in Mathematics in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, often due to mathematics anxiety and low self-efficacy. However, limited empirical evidence on the relationship between these factors among Pre-Diploma students constrains the development of targeted interventions. This study examines mathematics anxiety and self-efficacy among 144 Pre-Diploma students enrolled for the October 2024 to February 2025 semester at UiTM Perlis Branch using the Mathematics Self-Efficacy and Anxiety Questionnaire (MSEAQ) and Fuzzy Conjoint Analysis. The MSEAQ comprises 29 attributes: 15 measuring mathematics anxiety and 14 assessing self-efficacy. The findings reveal predominantly neutral (L3) responses for anxiety attributes, with higher anxiety related to grade achievement than to attending lessons or completing homework, suggesting performance-based anxiety. Self-efficacy levels ranged from moderate (L3) to high (L4), indicating confidence in performing mathematical tasks, though lower confidence was observed in asking questions and test-taking comfort. The coexistence of unclear anxiety and relatively strong self-efficacy suggests that students believe in their abilities but may not fully recognize anxiety’s impact on their learning. Educators should therefore reinforce students’ confidence while addressing latent anxiety through clear goals, constructive feedback, and supportive classroom practices.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Ahmed, S., & Hossain, M. T. (2025). A fuzzy-logic-based student learning assessment system for outcome-based education. IEEE Transactions on Education, 68(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1109/TAP.2025.3642371

Al Umairi, K. S. (2024). Role of mathematics motivation in the relationship between mathematics self-efficacy and achievement. Journal of Pedagogical Research, 8(4), 125–146. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPR.202428560

Ashcraft, M. H., & Ridley, K. S. (2005). Math anxiety and its cognitive consequences: A tutorial review. In J. Campbell (Ed.), Handbook of Mathematical Cognition. Psychology Press.

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W.H. Freeman.

Barroso, C., Ganley, C. M., McGraw, A. L., Geer, E. A., Hart, S. A., & Daucourt, M. C. (2021). A meta‐analysis of the relation between math anxiety and math achievement. Psychological Bulletin, 147(2), 134–168. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000307

Beilock, S. L., & Maloney, E. A. (2015). Math anxiety: A factor in math achievement not to be ignored. Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 2(1), 4–12. https://doi.org/10.1177/2372732215601438

Cano, J. (2023). A conjoint study and segmentation on the preferred online learning attributes of senior high school learners. International Journal on Open and Distance e-Learning, 9(1). https://ijodel.upou.edu.ph/ijodel/article/view/108

Carey, E., Hill, F., Devine, A., & Szűcs, D. (2016). The chicken or the egg? The direction of the relationship between mathematics anxiety and mathematics performance. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 1987. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01987

Caviola, S., Primi, C., Chiesi, F., & Mammarella, I. C. (2017). The role of working memory, inhibition, and anxiety in children's mathematics performance. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 32(2), 377–394.

Foley, A. E., Herts, J. B., Borgonovi, F., Guerriero, S., Levine, S. C., & Beilock, S. L. (2017). The math anxiety-performance link: A global phenomenon. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 26(1), 52–58. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721416672463

Geist, E. (2015). Math anxiety and the "math gap": How attitudes toward mathematics disadvantages students as early as preschool. Education, 135(3), 328–336.

Hembree, R. (1990). The nature, effects, and relief of mathematics anxiety. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 21(1), 33–46. https://doi.org/10.2307/749455

Hoffman, B. (2010). "I think I can, but I'm afraid to try": The role of self-efficacy beliefs and mathematics anxiety in mathematics problem-solving efficiency. Learning and Individual Differences, 20(3), 276–283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2010.02.001

Kahraman, C., Kaya, I., & Cebi, S. (2020). Fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making methods and applications: A literature review. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 26(1), 176–205.

Luttenberger, S., Wimmer, S., & Paechter, M. (2018). Spotlight on math anxiety. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 311-322. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S141421

Ma, X. (1999). A meta‐analysis of the relationship between anxiety toward mathematics and achievement in mathematics. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 30(5), 520–540. https://doi.org/10.2307/749772

Marshall, J. C. (2012). Using conjoint analysis to assess teacher preferences for professional development. Educational Policy Analysis Archives, 20, 29. https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.v20n29.2012

May, D. K. (2009). Mathematics self-efficacy and anxiety questionnaire (MSEAQ). [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. University of Georgia.

Mutodi, P., & Ngirande, H. (2014). Exploring mathematics anxiety: Mathematics students' experiences. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 5(1), 283–294. https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n1p283

Namkung, J. M., Peng, P., & Lin, X. (2019). The relation between mathematics anxiety and mathematics performance among school-aged students: A meta-analysis. Review of Educational Research, 89(3), 459–496. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654319843494

Ong, A. K. S., Prasetyo, Y. T., Libiran, M. A. D., Lontoc, Y. M., Lunaria, J. A., Manalo, A. M., ... & Redi, A. A. N. P. (2021). Students' preference analysis on online learning attributes in industrial engineering education during the COVID-19 pandemic: A conjoint analysis approach for sustainable industrial engineers. Sustainability, 13(15), 8339. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/15/8339

Pajares, F., & Graham, L. (1999). Self-efficacy, motivation constructs, and mathematics performance of entering middle school students. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 24(2), 124–139. https://doi.org/10.1006/ceps.1998.0991

Ramirez, G., Shaw, S. T., & Maloney, E. A. (2018). Math anxiety: Past research, promising interventions, and a new interpretation framework. Educational Psychologist, 53(3), 145–164. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2018.1447384

Shimizu, Y. (2025). Relation between mathematics self-efficacy, mathematics anxiety, behavioural engagement, and mathematics achievement in Japan. Psychology International, 7(2), 36. https://doi.org/10.3390/psycholint7020036

Subbotin, I., Bilotskii, N., & Cardell, J. (2004). Application of fuzzy logic to learning assessment. The Mathematics Teacher, 97(1), 32–37.

Tzeng, G. H., & Huang, J. J. (2011). Multiple attribute decision making: Methods and applications. CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/b11032

Yahaya, Y. H., & Mohamad, N. (2011). Designing software usability measurement using fuzzy set conjoint model. In International Conference on Computer Communication and Management (Vol. 5, pp. 582-576).

Yandug, J. S. G., Costales, E. M. D., & Ong, A. K. S. (2023). A conjoint analysis approach, implications, and mitigation plans in analyzing students' preferences for online learning delivery types during the COVID-19 pandemic for engineering students: A case study in the Philippines. Sustainability, 15(6), 5513. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/6/5513

Yang, Y., Maeda, Y., & Gentry, M. (2024). The relationship between mathematics self-efficacy and mathematics achievement: Multilevel analysis with NAEP 2019. Large-scale Assessments in Education, 12(1), 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40536-024-00204-z

Zadeh, L. A. (1965). Fuzzy sets. Information and Control, 8(3), 338–353. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0019-9958(65)90241-X

Zhang, J., Zhao, N., & Kong, Q. P. (2019). The relationship between math anxiety and math performance: A meta-analytic investigation. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 1613. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01613

Zimmerman, B. J. (2000). Self-efficacy: An essential motive to learn. Contemporary educational psychology, 25(1), 82–91. https://doi.org/10.1006/ceps.1999.1016

Downloads

Published

2026-03-01

How to Cite

Bidin, J., Mohamad Fadzil, M. N., Ku Akil, K. A., Mahat, N., Ibrahim, I., Syed Abas, S. F., … Sharif, N. (2026). A Fuzzy Conjoint Analysis of Mathematics Anxiety and Self-Efficacy among Pre-Diploma Students . Journal of Computing Research and Innovation, 11(1), 141–156. https://doi.org/10.24191/jcrinn.v11i1.568

Issue

Section

General Computing