Test Anxiety

Test Anxiety

Don Newberry

Liberty University

August 20, 2010

Abstract

This paper discusses the concept of Test Anxiety in the format of understanding different aspects of testing and teaching practices. Understanding that anxiety during testing can be a positive motivator is important as well as the type of test being given. The potential of the test is also a qualifying factor in anxiety issues. If the student has prepared but does not have the confidence level needed, they may fail even though they have a working knowledge of the subject material. The studies performed in the assessments of both test taking and emotional response reveal information about the way students perceive test taking. By applying some of the methods described the student and teachers may be able to present a better learning atmosphere.

Test Anxiety

As a student prepares for an exam different anxieties overtake the thinking process. Dependent upon the type of exam – whether short answer, multiple choice or essay, the student finds that he must prepare adequately in order to pass the course. Unfortunately most students are not so well organized as to prepare in advance and resort to “cramming” or last minute studying in hopes that the preparation will be adequate. The concept of test anxiety in itself provides both and neither a positive or negative connotation. In a sense the terminology as negative would indicate higher levels of stress on the student when they had not prepared adequately whereas a certain level of stress can actually be beneficial in test taking indicating a positive position (Educational Testing Service, 2005). Statistical analysis would indicate that there are several different aspects to test anxiety (De Cuir-Gunby, Price Aultman, & Schutz, 2009). These aspects tend to reveal themselves at different levels of preparation and expectation on the part of the student.

Research

Much research has been completed in the study of test anxiety. The...