Psychology is the scientific study of the relationships between mental processes, emotions, and behavior. Mathematics and psychology are linked in three major ways. First, psychologists study mathematical cognition, i.e., the brain's development, acquisition, and application of mathematical skills. Second, psychologists investigate people's feelings and attitudes regarding mathematics. Third, psychologists use mathematics, particularly statistics, as a professional tool to quantify and analyze their scientific findings.

Psychologists working in the field of mathematical cognition study how humans process information, interpret mathematical symbols, and develop and use strategies to solve mathematical problems. For example, these skills are particularly important for so-called "word" problems, where written descriptions must be translated into equations. Most students consider "word" problems more difficult to solve than other types of math problems. This is because "word" problems require a variety of skills from the brain, including the ability to read and comprehend...