FACTORS EXPLAINING BUSINESS STUDENTS' PERFORMANCE IN AN INTRODUCTORY MATHEMATICS COURSE. WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF GENDER, ACADEMIC ABILITY, PERSONALITY TRAITS, AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS MATHEMATICS?

Abstract

Mathematics skills are key factors for success in business studies, and for access to business degrees. It is important, therefore, to understand the determinants of mathematics scores among business students. The aim of our study was to identify factors that can explain mathematics performance among a cohort of business school students in Norway. This paper used a linear regression to quantify statistical associations between mathematics performance and the following independent variables: gender, grade point average (GPA) from upper secondary school, background in mathematics education, Big Five personality traits, and attitudes towards mathematics (ATM). Two factors – mathematics background, and self-confidence in mathematics – were positively associated with performance, though the significant effect of mathematics background disappeared after controlling for ATM. Given the importance of mathematics for success in business studies, we recommend that efforts are made to improve students’ confidence in this topic.