Equal performance, but different levels of anxiety: An examination of sex differences in anxiety, working memory and mathematical performance in fifth grade of primary school

Key Points

• This research aims to explore the relationship between anxiety, working memory, and mathematical performance while examining sex differences among fifth-grade students.
• Participants were fifth-grade students from primary schools.
• Levels of anxiety and working memory were assessed alongside mathematical performance.
• Data analysis included comparisons between sexes regarding performance and anxiety levels.
• Both boys and girls performed equally well in math tasks despite varying levels of anxiety.
• Girls reported higher levels of anxiety compared to boys but had similar working memory scores.
• Findings suggest that anxiety does not hinder mathematical performance in students.