SEX & MATH

The topic of whether men or women are better at math has almost always evoked a debate. Some even call it sexist to ask such a question – or should we call just a social scientist? Why are there fewer women in math oriented careers than men? Is it because of math skills or just social causes? (http://discovermagazine.com/2003/sep/breakgirls)

Numerous studies and research have been done in this field and yet they seem to be inconclusive. It is really easy to find diametrically opposite research results. See for instance – The University of Wisconsin study (http://www.psychologymatters.org/thinkagain.html) vs The Scientific article on this topic (http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=sex-math-and-scientific-achievement)

One theory (http://people.howstuffworks.com/women3.htm) suggests that a man’s brain is wired to be stronger in cognitive and analytical skills where as a woman’s brain is stronger in verbal and communication skills. Whether this is true or just another hypothesis by a Phd. fellow is another matter. But stereo typing men and women does cause anxiety and can actually influence the outcome (http://news.softpedia.com/news/Beliefs-that-Men-are-Better-at-Maths-than-Women-Caused-the-Latter-to-Perform-Low-in-Tests-38421.shtml)

Outcomes of experiments are also influenced by who is present in the experiment. A study by Brown University suggests that women actually perform 12% better when men are not around them! (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/09/000913083409.htm)

Another interesting study conducted in one of the world’s largest math experiment suggests that women are actually better than men not in general math but instant Math!

(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1441158/Women-better-than-men-at-instant-maths.html)

Regardless of what all the studies say, the fact of the matter is by practicing the tricks and techniques shown on LazyMaths.com, all can ace at all kinds of math - whether man or woman!