Numerical anxiety leading to mathematics and accounting anxiety

Abstract

A number of business students dislike studying mathematics or statistics as compulsory courses. Further consideration of the subject dislike reveals that other courses such as accounting are also disliked though have not been recognized by educators as these are not compulsory. The subjects have a common theme of numerals. This review sought to identify the factors that cause people to dislike numerical subjects of mathematics and accounting. The results reveal that the associated causality is a dislike of the numerical subject of mathematics that can begin during or before tertiary study. A dislike of mathematics can perpetuate into avoidance, and eventually to a fear. There are a number of suggested causes. This study reviews the causes of mathematics dislike and classifies the causes as specific and general. Recommendations for educators to overcome mathematic deterrence are suggested.