| More than 100 high schools compete in mathematics tournaments annually in Alabama. Fifteen schools that competed in the 2006 Alabama Statewide Mathematics Contest were selected randomly. Survey data from 1746 students in Geometry, Algebra II, and advanced mathematics classes were used to determine student demographics and attitudes toward mathematics. School demographics were obtained from the Alabama State Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics.; Factor analysis determined the underlying structures of the Attitudes Toward Mathematics Inventory. Four factors were retained, accounting for 62.83% of the total variance. Reliability analysis indicated high internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = .974).; Discriminant analysis was conducted to determine what attitude factors predict students' tournament participation. One discriminant function was generated and was significant, Λ = .913, chi2(4, N = 1746) = 157.72, p < .001. Results indicate that students having high enjoyment, motivation, value, and self-confidence are most likely to participate in tournaments. Classification results reveal that 83.7% of cases were classified correctly.; Discriminant analysis was conducted to determine what student characteristics predict students' participation. One discriminant function was generated and was significant, Λ = .878, chi2(5, N = 1746) = 226.33, p < .001. Results indicate that students having higher course grades, lower grade level, Asian-American ethnicity, and male gender are more likely to participate than their counterparts. Classification results reveal that 84.7% of cases were classified correctly.; Discriminant analysis was conducted to determine what school characteristics predict participation. One discriminant function was generated and was significant, Λ = .965, chi2(3, N = 1746) = 61.761, p < .001. These results indicate that students who attend private schools, schools having lower numbers of students receiving free-or-reduced lunches, and small schools are most likely to participate in tournaments. Classification results reveal that 83.7% of cases were classified correctly. The Intercorrelation Matrix and logistic regression analyses confirmed the study's results.; Tournament administrators and team coaches should encourage greater participation in tournaments by non-Asian minority and female students. Researchers should investigate the role of mathematics competitions in improving instruction and facilitating the professional growth of teachers. |
