Gender and numerical intelligence: Does motivation matter?

The present study examined the mediating effects of different motivational variables on the relation between gender and numerical intelligence. In a sample of 305 German students (mean age: M = 17.5; SD = 1.1), we assessed the last grade in math, self-estimated numerical intelligence, expectations of success on a subsequent numerical intelligence test, the math ability self-concept, the mathematical intrinsic motivation, and math test anxiety (emotionality and worry). SEM analyses revealed that all motivational variables played a role in explaining the relation between gender and numerical intelligence. When testing all variables simultaneously, self-estimated numerical intelligence, intrinsic value of math, and worry significantly predicted numerical intelligence. Gender still explained a statistically significant amount of the variance in numerical intelligence. Results are discussed with regard to the importance of motivational variables in explaining gender differences in numerical intelligence.