The impact of numerical reasoning and intelligence games on primary school students' mathematics motivation, attitudes, and anxiety

In this study, aimed to investigate the effect of numerical reasoning and intelligence games on the mathematics motivation, attitude, and anxiety of 3rd-grade primary school students. An explanatory mixed-methods design was employed, with a quasi-experimental design in the quantitative phase and a case study design in the qualitative phase. The study group consisted of 29 3rd-grade students (15 experimental, 14 control) from a primary school in a district of Yozgat, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Mathematics Anxiety Scale for Primary School 3rd and 4th Grade Children, the Mathematics Course Motivation Scale, the Mathematics Attitude Scale for Primary and Secondary School Students, and a semi-structured interview form. Before the intervention, students' mathematics motivation, attitudes, and anxiety were measured. The experimental group then participated in numerical reasoning and intelligence games (number puzzle, change number, erase box, target board, Kakuro, Kendoku, inequality, and magic pyramid) once a week for eight weeks. After the intervention, a post-test was administered. Quantitative data were analyzed using nonparametric tests. Results showed no statistically significant difference in post-test mathematics motivation scores between the experimental and control groups. While the control group showed no change, the experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement. No significant differences were found in mathematics attitude or anxiety scores in either group. These findings indicate that numerical reasoning and intelligence games were effective in enhancing mathematics motivation but not in improving attitudes or reducing anxiety. Qualitative findings indicated that experimental group students found these games beneficial for mental development and considered their use in mathematics lessons useful and necessary. 2025, xiii + 138 Pages Keywords: Mathematics Motivation, Attitude, Anxiety, Numerical Reasoning, İntelligence Games