Episode 158: Why are people afraid of math? (w/ Dr. Qiushan Liu)

Psychology and Stuff

In this episode of Psychology and Stuff, host Dr. Allison Jane sits down with Dr. Quishan Liu, a new assistant professor in the Psychology Department at UW-Green Bay, to explore the fascinating intersection of psychology and mathematics. Dr. Liu shares her research on how cognitive and emotional factors, like math anxiety, influence problem-solving and decision-making. Together, they discuss why math anxiety begins as early as primary school, how cultural attitudes shape our relationship with math, and how teachers and parents can help reduce math-related stress. Dr. Liu also reveals insights from her study on decimals and fractions, showing why some problem-solving strategies are more effective than others. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by numbers, you won’t want to miss Dr. Liu’s advice on practical ways to overcome math anxiety and her tips for integrating math into everyday life—whether it’s through cooking, games, or even Monopoly! Tune in to learn how fostering a love for math can positively impact individuals of all ages.