Path Analysis of Psychological Factors as Determinants of Mathematics Performance of Secondary School Students in Calabar Education Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated psychological factors as determinants of Mathematics performance of secondary school students in Calabar Education Zone of Cross River State using path analysis. The study adopted ex-post-facto research design. The study made use of proportionate stratified random sampling technique in selecting 863 Senior Secondary School Ill students from 25 secondary schools in Calabar Education Zone. The instruments used for data collection were a 36-item structured questionnaire and 30-item multiple choice Mathematics Achievement Test (MAI). The reliability ofthe questionnaire was determined using Ordinal alpha reliability method Kuder Richardson-20 method was used to determine the reliability of the MAT. Data analysis involved the use of Multiple Regression Analysis and Analysis of Moment Structure tested at .05 level of significance. Results showed that emotional intelligence, Mathematics self-efficacy, attitude t0Mards Mathematics, Mathematics anxiety, study habit and academic procrastination significantly predicted students' academic performance in Mathematics. The results also revealed that 17 out of the 21 part-ways in the hypothesized path model met the criteria for significance or meaningfulness with six direct and Il indirect path-ways. It was therefore recommended that attention to be directed the development of the affective domain of the students.