0%

Psychological Predictors of Perseverance of Effort in Maths

Start
Information sheet
Psychological Predictors of Perseverance of Effort in Mathematics Among Adults with Dyscalculia 

You are invited to take part in a research study that is being conducted as part of the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology at the University of Derby. Before deciding whether to take part, please read the information below carefully. It explains why the research is being conducted and what participation would involve. If anything is unclear or if you would like further information, please contact the researcher using the details provided at the end of this document. 

What is the purpose of the research? 
Dyscalculia is a specific learning difference that affects how people understand and work with numbers and mathematical information. Most research on dyscalculia has focused on cognitive processes, such as numerical processing and arithmetic skills. 
However, adults with dyscalculia may also experience a range of psychological and behavioural factors related to mathematics, including mathematics anxiety, negative beliefs about mathematical ability, lower self-confidence, and difficulties persisting with mathematical tasks. 
This study aims to explore the psychological beliefs and perseverance of effort in mathematics among adults with dyscalculia. Specifically, it will examine: 
- Mathematics anxiety 
- Beliefs about mathematical ability (mindset) 
- Perceived value of mathematics 
- Mathematics self-confidence 
- Previous experience with maths 
- Perseverance when faced with mathematical difficulty 

By examining these factors together, the study hopes to identify patterns of experiences among adults with dyscalculia. Understanding these patterns may help raise awareness of the challenges faced by adults with dyscalculia and inform strategies to support them in educational, work, or everyday contexts. 
 
Why have I been invited to participate? 
You have been invited to take part because you: 
- Are 18 years of age or older 
- Have a formal diagnosis or self-identify as dyscalculic 
- Are able to read and understand English 
- Are able to provide informed consent 
Both individuals with a formal diagnosis and those who self-identify as dyscalculic are welcome to participate, as the study aims to capture a wide range of experiences. 

Do I have to take part? 
No, it is up to you to decide whether to take part. If you decide to take part you will be asked to keep this information sheet and to complete a consent form, which confirms your consent to take part in the study.  

Can I withdraw? 
If you take part, you are free to stop taking part in the study at any time up to two weeks after we have collected your data. You do not need to give a reason. If you change your mind before or after taking part, you can contact Brooke McMullen and your data will be destroyed.  
To do this you will need to tell us your unique participant code, which you will be asked to create once you start the study. Make sure you keep a copy of this code as it will enable us to store your data without using identifying details.  
What will happen to me if I take part? 
If you choose to take part, you will be asked to complete an online survey, which will take approximately 10–20 minutes. This is a one-off study; there is no follow-up or longitudinal participation required. 
 
The survey includes the following sections: 
Demographics & diagnosis:
  • Questions about age, sex, country of residence/citizenship, education level, occupation, and dyscalculia status.
  • Participants will complete validated questionnaires assessing: 
  • General anxiety
  • General fear of failure 
  • Maths-specific fear of failure 
  • Mathematics anxiety 
  • Appraisal of previous mathematics experiences 
  • Maths self-concept
  • Perseverance of effort / grit (general and maths-specific) 
The questions will be multiple-choice or Likert-type (rating scales). The survey is designed to explore psychological beliefs about mathematics and perseverance when working with mathematical tasks. 
You may complete the survey at a time convenient for you and consent will be provided by checking a consent box. 
 
What are the possible disadvantages and risks of taking part? 
The risks of participating in this study are minimal.However, some participants may experience: 
  • Mild stress or discomfort when reflecting on difficulties or anxieties related to mathematics 
  • Fatigue from completing a 10–20 minute survey 
  • Screen time discomfort if completing the survey online 
If you feel upset at any point, you can pause or stop the survey and withdraw your data within two weeks after completion. The survey does not involve personal identifiers, or sensitive health data beyond self-reported learning differences. 
 
Support services: If participation causes distress, the following support services are available: 
Samaritans: 116 123 (UK) – https://www.samaritans.org 
Mind: 0300 123 3393 – https://www.mind.org.uk 

What are the possible benefits of taking part? 
By taking part, you may help improve understanding of how psychological factors influence perseverance in mathematics among adults with dyscalculia. While there are no direct personal benefits, your responses will contribute to research that may inform: 
Awareness of challenges faced by adults with dyscalculia 
Future support strategies, educational tools, or interventions for adult learners with dyscalculia 
Academic knowledge and publications in psychology and education research 

What will happen to the results of the research? 
The information you give us will be analysed by the research team and written into a report; this will form part of Brooke McMullen's degree and may consequently be published and presented at academic conferences. In some cases, such as journal article publications, the researchers might be asked to share anonymised data or upload it in databases. Any identifiable information, if available, will be removed from reports and databases.  

Who is organising or sponsoring the research? 
The present study has not received any research funding. The study is being conducted by Brooke McMullen and supervised by Dr Thomas Hunt as part of the Research Project for the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology at the University of Derby.   

Further information and contact details: 
If you have any questions before deciding to participate in this study, please contact us. 
Researcher: Brooke McMullen Email: b.mcmullen1@unimail.derby.ac.uk 
Supervisor: Dr Thomas Hunt Email: t.hunt@derby.ac.uk 
 
Thank you for taking the time to read this information sheet. 
Consent Form 
Thank you for your interest in taking part in this research. This study involves completing an online survey via QuestionPro, which will take approximately 10-20 minutes. Anonymous data from your survey responses will be used as part of the research findings in the final written report and may also be included in academic publications or conference presentations. No identifying details (such as name, email, or IP address) will be included in any report or publication. 
Participation is completely voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time up to two weeks after completing the survey by contacting the researcher. You do not need to provide a reason for withdrawal, and your data will be removed completely. 

Statements of Informed Consent 
Please read the statements below and confirm your agreement: 
- I understand that I have agreed to participate in an online survey. 
- I confirm that I am eligible to participate in the study: I am at least 18 years of age, I have a formal diagnosis (or self-identify) as dyscalculic, I am able to read and understand English, and I have the ability to independently provide consent.
- I understand that by taking part I may be using a third-party survey platform (QuestionPro) and agree to any applicable terms and conditions of that platform. 
- I understand that my participation does not involve audio or video recording. 
- I understand that I can withdraw from the study at any time up to two weeks after participation, and my data will be deleted upon request. 
- I agree that the research project has been explained to me to my satisfaction, and I have had the opportunity to ask the researcher any questions. 
- I understand and agree that anonymous survey data may be included in the final report and may be published. 
   
Researcher: Brooke McMullen Email: b.mcmullen1@unimail.derby.ac.uk 
Supervisor: Dr Thomas Hunt Email: t.hunt@derby.ac.uk 
Phone: (+44) 1332 593 444

I have read and understand the above statements and agree to take part in this study. 
Powered by QuestionPro Privacy & Data Security Respondent Anonymity Assurance