Modified Fennema-Sherman Attitude Scales

by Diana Doepken, Ellen Lawsky, and Linda Padwa

In an effort to study students' attitudes towards math, Elizabeth Fennema and Julia A. Sherman constructed the following attitude scale in the early 1970's. The scale consists of four subscales: a confidence scale, a usefulness scale, a scale that measures mathematics as a male domain and a teacher perception scale. Each of these scales consists of 12 items. Six of them measure a positive attitude and six measure a negative attitude.

This scale could give a teacher and an individual student useful information about that particular student's attitude(s) towards math. Because this scale was originally written twenty years ago and the subtle meanings and connotations of words have changed in that time period, it is important that this scale not be used for research.

We also adapted the scale to provide tools to examine a student's attitude towards science. Following the scales is the scoring key.

Introductory note (for use with these scales)

Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Attitude Scales

Using this scale will help you and I find out how you feel about yourself and mathematics.

On the following pages is a series of sentences. You are to mark your answer sheets by telling how you feel about them. Suppose a statement says:

Example 1: I like mathematics.

As you read the sentence, you will know whether you agree or disagree. If you strongly agree, circle A next to Number 1. If you agree, but not so strongly, or you only "sort of" agree, circle B. If you disagree with the sentence very much, circle E for strongly disagree. If you disagree, but not so strongly, circle D. If you are not sure about a question or you can't answer it, circle C. Now, mark your sheet, then go on and do Example 2.

Do not spend much time with any statement, but be sure to answer every statement.

Work fast, but carefully.

There are no "right" or "wrong" answers. The only correct responses are those that are true for you. Whenever possible, let the things that have happened to you help you make a choice.

A Modified Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Attitude Scale

1. I am sure that I can learn math. A B C D E

2. My teachers have been interested in my progress in math. A B C D E

3. Knowing mathematics will help me earn a living. A B C D E

4. I don't think I could do advanced math. A B C D E

5. Math will not be important to me in my life's work. A B C D E

6. Males are not naturally better than females in math. A B C D E

7. Getting a teacher to take me seriously in math is a problem. A B C D E

8. Math is hard for me. A B C D E

9. It's hard to believe a female could be a genius in mathematics. A B C D E

10. I'll need mathematics for my future work. A B C D E

11. When a woman has to solve a math problem, she should ask a man for help. A B C D E

12. I am sure of myself when I do math. A B C D E

13. I don't expect to use much math when I get out of school. A B C D E

14. I would talk to my math teachers about a career that uses math. A B C D E

15. Women can do just as well as men in math. A B C D E

16. It's hard to get math teachers to respect me. A B C D E

17. Math is a worthwhile, necessary subject. A B C D E

18. I would have more faith in the answer for a math problem solved by a man than a woman. A B C D E

19. I'm not the type to do well in math. A B C D E

20. My teachers have encouraged me to study more math. A B C D E

21. Taking math is a waste of time. A B C D E

22. I have a hard time getting teachers to talk seriously with me about math. A B C D E

23. Math has been my worst subject. A B C D E

24. Women who enjoy studying math are a little strange. A B C D E

25. I think I could handle more difficult math. A B C D E

26. My teachers think advanced math will be a waste of time for me. A B C D E

27. I will use mathematics in many ways as an adult. A B C D E

28. Females are as good as males in geometry. A B C D E

29. I see mathematics as something I won't use very often when I get out of high school. A B C D E

30. I feel that math teachers ignore me when I try to talk about something serious. A B C D E

31. Women certainly are smart enough to do well in math. A B C D E

32. Most subjects I can handle OK, but I just can't do a good job with math. A B C D E

33. I can get good grades in math. A B C D E

34. I'll need a good understanding of math for my future work. A B C D E

35. My teachers want me to take all the math I can. A B C D E

36. I would expect a woman mathematician to be a forceful type of person. A B C D E

37. I know I can do well in math. A B C D E

38. Studying math is just as good for women as for men. A B C D E

39. Doing well in math is not important for my future. A B C D E

40. My teachers would not take me seriously if I told them I was interested in a career in science and mathematics. A B C D E

41. I am sure I could do advanced work in math. A B C D E

42. Math is not important for my life. A B C D E

43. I'm no good in math. A B C D E

44. I study math because I know how useful it is. A B C D E

45. Math teachers have made me feel I have the ability to go on in mathematics. A B C D E

46. I would trust a female just as much as I would trust a male to solve important math problems. A B C D E

47. My teachers think I'm the kind of person who could do well in math. A B C D E

Science Attitude Scale as Modified from the
Fennema-Sherman Attitude Scale

1. I am sure that I can learn science. A B C D E

2. My teachers have been interested in my progress in science. A B C D E

3. Knowing science will help me earn a living. A B C D E

4. I don't think I could do advanced science. A B C D E

5. Science will not be important to me in my life's work. A B C D E

6. Males are not naturally better than females in science. A B C D E

7. Getting a teacher to take me seriously in science is a problem. A B C D E

8. Science is hard for me. A B C D E

9. It's hard to believe a female could be a genius in science. A B C D E

10. I'll need science for my future work. A B C D E

11. When a woman has to solve a science problem, she should ask a man for help. A B C D E

12. I am sure of myself when I do science. A B C D E

13. I don't expect to use much science when I get out of school. A B C D E

14. I would talk to my science teachers about a career which uses math. A B C D E

15. Women can do just as well as men in science. A B C D E

16. It's hard to get science teachers to respect me. A B C D E

17. Science is a worthwhile, necessary subject. A B C D E

18. I would have more faith in the answer for a science problem solved by a man than a woman. A B C D E

19. I'm not the type to do well in science. A B C D E

20. My teachers have encouraged me to study more science. A B C D E

21. Taking science is a waste of time. A B C D E

22. I have a hard time getting teachers to talk seriously with me about science. A B C D E

23. Science has been my worst subject. A B C D E

24. Women who enjoy studying science are a little strange. A B C D E

25. I think I could handle more difficult science. A B C D E

26. My teachers think advanced science will be a waste of time for me. A B C D E

27. I will use science in many ways as an adult. A B C D E

28. Females are as good as males in science. A B C D E

29. I see science as something I won't use very often when I get out of high school. A B C D E

30. I feel that science teachers ignore me when I try to talk about something serious. A B C D E

31. Women certainly are smart enough to do well in science. A B C D E

32. Most subjects I can handle OK, but I just can't do a good job with science. A B C D E

33. I can get good grades in science. A B C D E

34. I'll need a good understanding of science for my future work. A B C D E

35. My teachers want me to take all the science I can. A B C D E

36. I would expect a woman scientist to be a forceful type of person. A B C D E

37. I know I can do well in science. A B C D E

38. Studying science is just as good for women as for men. A B C D E

39. Doing well in science is not important for my future. A B C D E

40. My teachers would not take me seriously if I told them I was interested in a career in science and mathematics. A B C D E

41. I am sure I could do advanced work in science. A B C D E

42. Science is not important for my life. A B C D E

43. I'm no good in science. A B C D E

44. I study science because I know how useful it is. A B C D E

45. Science teachers have made me feel I have the ability to go on in science. A B C D E

46. I would trust a female just as much as I would trust a male to solve important science problems. A B C D E

47. My teachers think I'm the kind of person who could do well in science. A B C D E

Key to Modified Fennema-Sherman Scale for Math and Science

Key:

C = Personal confidence about the subject matter
U = Usefulness of the subject's content
M = Subject is perceived as a male domain
T = Perception of teacher's attitudes

+ = Question reflects positive attitude
- = Question reflects negative attitude

Question #	Category of Question	Attitude
1	C	+
2	T	+
3	U	+
4	C	-
5	U	-
6	M	+
7	T	-
8	C	-
9	M	-
10	U	+
11	M	-
12	C	+
13	U	-
14	T	+
15	M	+
16	T	-
17	U	+
18	M	-
19	C	-
20	T	+
21	U	-
22	T	-
23	C	-
24	M	-
25	C	+
26	T	-
27	U	+
28	M	+
29	U	-
30	T	-
31	M	+
32	C	-
33	C	+
34	U	+
35	T	+
36	M	-
37	C	+
38	M	+
39	U	-
40	T	-
41	C	+
42	U	-
43	C	-
44	U	+
45	T	+
46	M	+
47	T	+

Scoring Directions:

Each positive item receives the score based on points

A = 5

B = 4

C = 3

D = 2

E = 1

The scoring for each negative item should be reversed

A = 1

B = 2

C = 3

D = 4

E = 5

Add the scores for each group, T, C, U, M, to get a total for that attitude.

The highest possible score for each group of statements is 60 points.

Woodrow Wilson Leadership Program in Mathematics

lpt@www.woodrow.org
The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation

webmaster@woodrow.org
CN 5281, Princeton NJ 08543-5281

Tel:(609)452-7007

Fax:(609)452-0066

1.	I am sure that I can learn math.	A	B	C	D	E
2.	My teachers have been interested in my progress in math.	A	B	C	D	E
3.	Knowing mathematics will help me earn a living.	A	B	C	D	E
4.	I don't think I could do advanced math.	A	B	C	D	E
5.	Math will not be important to me in my life's work.	A	B	C	D	E
6.	Males are not naturally better than females in math.	A	B	C	D	E
7.	Getting a teacher to take me seriously in math is a problem.	A	B	C	D	E
8.	Math is hard for me.	A	B	C	D	E
9.	It's hard to believe a female could be a genius in mathematics.	A	B	C	D	E
10.	I'll need mathematics for my future work.	A	B	C	D	E
11.	When a woman has to solve a math problem, she should ask a man for help.	A	B	C	D	E
12.	I am sure of myself when I do math.	A	B	C	D	E
13.	I don't expect to use much math when I get out of school.	A	B	C	D	E
14.	I would talk to my math teachers about a career that uses math.	A	B	C	D	E
15.	Women can do just as well as men in math.	A	B	C	D	E
16.	It's hard to get math teachers to respect me.	A	B	C	D	E
17.	Math is a worthwhile, necessary subject.	A	B	C	D	E
18.	I would have more faith in the answer for a math problem solved by a man than a woman.	A	B	C	D	E
19.	I'm not the type to do well in math.	A	B	C	D	E
20.	My teachers have encouraged me to study more math.	A	B	C	D	E
21.	Taking math is a waste of time.	A	B	C	D	E
22.	I have a hard time getting teachers to talk seriously with me about math.	A	B	C	D	E
23.	Math has been my worst subject.	A	B	C	D	E
24.	Women who enjoy studying math are a little strange.	A	B	C	D	E
25.	I think I could handle more difficult math.	A	B	C	D	E
26.	My teachers think advanced math will be a waste of time for me.	A	B	C	D	E
27.	I will use mathematics in many ways as an adult.	A	B	C	D	E
28.	Females are as good as males in geometry.	A	B	C	D	E
29.	I see mathematics as something I won't use very often when I get out of high school.	A	B	C	D	E
30.	I feel that math teachers ignore me when I try to talk about something serious.	A	B	C	D	E
31.	Women certainly are smart enough to do well in math.	A	B	C	D	E
32.	Most subjects I can handle OK, but I just can't do a good job with math.	A	B	C	D	E
33.	I can get good grades in math.	A	B	C	D	E
34.	I'll need a good understanding of math for my future work.	A	B	C	D	E
35.	My teachers want me to take all the math I can.	A	B	C	D	E
36.	I would expect a woman mathematician to be a forceful type of person.	A	B	C	D	E
37.	I know I can do well in math.	A	B	C	D	E
38.	Studying math is just as good for women as for men.	A	B	C	D	E
39.	Doing well in math is not important for my future.	A	B	C	D	E
40.	My teachers would not take me seriously if I told them I was interested in a career in science and mathematics.	A	B	C	D	E
41.	I am sure I could do advanced work in math.	A	B	C	D	E
42.	Math is not important for my life.	A	B	C	D	E
43.	I'm no good in math.	A	B	C	D	E
44.	I study math because I know how useful it is.	A	B	C	D	E
45.	Math teachers have made me feel I have the ability to go on in mathematics.	A	B	C	D	E
46.	I would trust a female just as much as I would trust a male to solve important math problems.	A	B	C	D	E
47.	My teachers think I'm the kind of person who could do well in math.	A	B	C	D	E

1.	I am sure that I can learn science.	A	B	C	D	E
2.	My teachers have been interested in my progress in science.	A	B	C	D	E
3.	Knowing science will help me earn a living.	A	B	C	D	E
4.	I don't think I could do advanced science.	A	B	C	D	E
5.	Science will not be important to me in my life's work.	A	B	C	D	E
6.	Males are not naturally better than females in science.	A	B	C	D	E
7.	Getting a teacher to take me seriously in science is a problem.	A	B	C	D	E
8.	Science is hard for me.	A	B	C	D	E
9.	It's hard to believe a female could be a genius in science.	A	B	C	D	E
10.	I'll need science for my future work.	A	B	C	D	E
11.	When a woman has to solve a science problem, she should ask a man for help.	A	B	C	D	E
12.	I am sure of myself when I do science.	A	B	C	D	E
13.	I don't expect to use much science when I get out of school.	A	B	C	D	E
14.	I would talk to my science teachers about a career which uses math.	A	B	C	D	E
15.	Women can do just as well as men in science.	A	B	C	D	E
16.	It's hard to get science teachers to respect me.	A	B	C	D	E
17.	Science is a worthwhile, necessary subject.	A	B	C	D	E
18.	I would have more faith in the answer for a science problem solved by a man than a woman.	A	B	C	D	E
19.	I'm not the type to do well in science.	A	B	C	D	E
20.	My teachers have encouraged me to study more science.	A	B	C	D	E
21.	Taking science is a waste of time.	A	B	C	D	E
22.	I have a hard time getting teachers to talk seriously with me about science.	A	B	C	D	E
23.	Science has been my worst subject.	A	B	C	D	E
24.	Women who enjoy studying science are a little strange.	A	B	C	D	E
25.	I think I could handle more difficult science.	A	B	C	D	E
26.	My teachers think advanced science will be a waste of time for me.	A	B	C	D	E
27.	I will use science in many ways as an adult.	A	B	C	D	E
28.	Females are as good as males in science.	A	B	C	D	E
29.	I see science as something I won't use very often when I get out of high school.	A	B	C	D	E
30.	I feel that science teachers ignore me when I try to talk about something serious.	A	B	C	D	E
31.	Women certainly are smart enough to do well in science.	A	B	C	D	E
32.	Most subjects I can handle OK, but I just can't do a good job with science.	A	B	C	D	E
33.	I can get good grades in science.	A	B	C	D	E
34.	I'll need a good understanding of science for my future work.	A	B	C	D	E
35.	My teachers want me to take all the science I can.	A	B	C	D	E
36.	I would expect a woman scientist to be a forceful type of person.	A	B	C	D	E
37.	I know I can do well in science.	A	B	C	D	E
38.	Studying science is just as good for women as for men.	A	B	C	D	E
39.	Doing well in science is not important for my future.	A	B	C	D	E
40.	My teachers would not take me seriously if I told them I was interested in a career in science and mathematics.	A	B	C	D	E
41.	I am sure I could do advanced work in science.	A	B	C	D	E
42.	Science is not important for my life.	A	B	C	D	E
43.	I'm no good in science.	A	B	C	D	E
44.	I study science because I know how useful it is.	A	B	C	D	E
45.	Science teachers have made me feel I have the ability to go on in science.	A	B	C	D	E
46.	I would trust a female just as much as I would trust a male to solve important science problems.	A	B	C	D	E
47.	My teachers think I'm the kind of person who could do well in science.	A	B	C	D	E

Question #	Category of Question	Attitude
1	C	+
2	T	+
3	U	+
4	C	-
5	U	-
6	M	+
7	T	-
8	C	-
9	M	-
10	U	+
11	M	-
12	C	+
13	U	-
14	T	+
15	M	+
16	T	-
17	U	+
18	M	-
19	C	-
20	T	+
21	U	-
22	T	-
23	C	-
24	M	-
25	C	+
26	T	-
27	U	+
28	M	+
29	U	-
30	T	-
31	M	+
32	C	-
33	C	+
34	U	+
35	T	+
36	M	-
37	C	+
38	M	+
39	U	-
40	T	-
41	C	+
42	U	-
43	C	-
44	U	+
45	T	+
46	M	+
47	T	+

Question #	Category of Question	Attitude
1	C	+
2	T	+
3	U	+
4	C	-
5	U	-
6	M	+
7	T	-
8	C	-
9	M	-
10	U	+
11	M	-
12	C	+
13	U	-
14	T	+
15	M	+
16	T	-
17	U	+
18	M	-
19	C	-
20	T	+
21	U	-
22	T	-
23	C	-
24	M	-
25	C	+
26	T	-
27	U	+
28	M	+
29	U	-
30	T	-
31	M	+
32	C	-
33	C	+
34	U	+
35	T	+
36	M	-
37	C	+
38	M	+
39	U	-
40	T	-
41	C	+
42	U	-
43	C	-
44	U	+
45	T	+
46	M	+
47	T	+