This study investigated whether test anxiety affected performance because: (1) examination stress interfered with retrieval of previously learned material, or (2) initial learning was less thorough. Results indicated significant negative correlations with acquisition indices and partially supported a retrieval deficit. Suggestions for further…

In order to better understand and counsel Chinese students in the United States, the trait anxiety and test anxiety of 67 Chinese graduate students in education attending two universities in Taiwan were measured. Normative assessments for the total group showed that the sample fell within the normal range of U.S. students as defined in Test…

A study was conducted to determine whether participation in a test-taking strategy seminar significantly decreased test anxiety in first-year nursing students. The study also sought to compare nursing test scores of first-year nursing students who participated in the seminar with those who did not. The sample consisted of 30 first-year nursing…

Provided are suggestions for parents who want to know how best to help their children develop study habits that will insure a good chance for school success. After a description of the importance of good study habits, the responsibilities of parents, teachers, and students for developing appropriate study settings and behaviors are set out.…

Performance on the Digit Span (DSP) and Digit Symbol (DSY) subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) have been said to be vulnerable to the effects of anxiety, seating arrangements, and sex of subject. To determine the effects of these variables on anxiety and test performance on the WAIS-R DSP and DSY subtests, 40 male and 40…

This guide provides an outline of the information and techniques covered on an audiotape developed to help students lower their test anxiety. First, a rationale for the development of the test anxiety materials is provided and the use of these materials at Lane Community College is discussed. Next, a detailed outline of the material is provided,…

Examined the effects of three experimental treatments (anxiety management training, study skills counseling, modified anxiety management training) on levels of test anxiety, test performance, and self-esteem in 54 sixth- and seventh-grade students. Also examined effects of treatment versus attention only and intervention versus no intervention on…

A study of German fifth graders correlates high levels of test anxiety with decreased student achievement. To minimize this effect, teachers must foster a balance between efficient use of class time with attention to student needs. Suggestions on how to create a learning, rather than a testing, environment are given. (JL)

Assigned 29 test-anxious students aged 50-67 to stress inoculation training, placebo, or control conditions. Results suggested that while stress inoculation training was not singularly effective, variations only were correlated with improvements in performance on a measure of fluid ability. No such interactions occurred in the placebo or control…

Interactive effects of item difficulty, test anxiety, and failure feedback are examined in a study using multiple choice verbal aptitude items. Results indicate that ability estimates can be affected by the examinee's improved performance, especially for students given an easy test. (Author/DWH)

This book is designed to help students become better test takers. It helps them feel more confident and less stressed before, during, and after the test. Section 1, "Tests? Blech!" discusses why it is necessary to test students. Section 2, "Test SOS," presents test-taking hints; top secret information about tests and student behavior during tests;…

Tested the person-by-situation interaction model of anxiety. Male (N=28) and female (N=79) university students served as subjects. Results were interpreted as providing support for the multidimensionality of A-Trait and further validation of the interaction model of anxiety. (Author)

Test anxiety research in West German schools is explored and measures currently used are described. Test anxiety is examined in relation to academic achievement, and in both the traditional tripartite school system and the nontraditional unitary comprehensive school. Future directions of test anxiety research in West German schools are explored.…

Developed audiotaped lectures, taped therapy session models, and homework assignments designed to reduce test anxiety within Ellis' rational-emotive therapy (RET) approach. RET subjects showed lower skin conductance responses to a test anxiety visualization and lower reported anxiety. Responses to an alternative visualization did not show…

Investigated whether retrospective and concurrent assessments in test anxiety research yield comparable data. Results indicated that concurrent and retrospective assessment groups did not differ on number of positive thoughts, negative thoughts, bodily sensations, or anxiety levels. Concurrent assessment did not affect test performance. (Author)