Measuring Statistics Anxiety

Abstract

The aim of the research was to test the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Vigil-Colet et al.’s Statistical Anxiety Scale (SAS), taking into account evidences based on (a) internal structure (factorial structure and cross-country invariance) and (b) relationships to other variables (the statistics anxiety’s nomological network). Consistent with the original Spanish version, the Italian version showed a three-factor structure, and results indicated a substantial equivalence of factor model parameters across countries. SAS results appeared to be inversely related to mathematical ability, self-efficacy, and attitudes toward statistics. The overall findings of the present study provide evidence for the validity and reliability of the SAS as a measure of statistics anxiety across the Italian and Spanish educational frameworks.