CHFA | Psychology Department Showcase: Projects In-Process
Influences on Test Anxiety
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Psychology
Minor
Chemistry
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Gage Jordan
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
The purpose of this research project is to determine if students in a college environment demonstrate significant test anxiety, possibly as a function of their level of intolerance of uncertainty and their individual coping styles. This study is relevant and timely as there are very few studies centering around students' test anxiety in the midst of an evolving global pandemic, and how the timeline of this pandemic has affected student's perceptions about their coursework and ability to effectively function as a student. Participants will be undergraduate psychology students who will fill out an online survey through SONA, a research recruitment and data collection program used and maintained by the Murray State University Psychology department. It is hypothesized that (1) students who endorse higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty will also endorse higher levels of test anxiety. It is also hypothesized that (2) one’s coping style will mediate the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and test anxiety, such that higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty will be associated with higher focus on and venting of emotions, which, in turn, will be associated with higher test anxiety. (3) Conversely, participants who cope through planning will endorse less intolerance of uncertainty and, therefore, less test anxiety. (4) Additionally, participants who cope using humor will endorse less intolerance of uncertainty and, therefore, less test anxiety. Furthermore, (5) students who endorse having less social support will endorse higher levels of test anxiety. Preliminary results from this study will be presented. Overall, these findings may help understand pathways that exacerbate or help mitigate students’ test anxiety.
Spring Scholars Week 2022 Event
Psychology: Projects In-Progress
Influences on Test Anxiety
The purpose of this research project is to determine if students in a college environment demonstrate significant test anxiety, possibly as a function of their level of intolerance of uncertainty and their individual coping styles. This study is relevant and timely as there are very few studies centering around students' test anxiety in the midst of an evolving global pandemic, and how the timeline of this pandemic has affected student's perceptions about their coursework and ability to effectively function as a student. Participants will be undergraduate psychology students who will fill out an online survey through SONA, a research recruitment and data collection program used and maintained by the Murray State University Psychology department. It is hypothesized that (1) students who endorse higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty will also endorse higher levels of test anxiety. It is also hypothesized that (2) one’s coping style will mediate the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and test anxiety, such that higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty will be associated with higher focus on and venting of emotions, which, in turn, will be associated with higher test anxiety. (3) Conversely, participants who cope through planning will endorse less intolerance of uncertainty and, therefore, less test anxiety. (4) Additionally, participants who cope using humor will endorse less intolerance of uncertainty and, therefore, less test anxiety. Furthermore, (5) students who endorse having less social support will endorse higher levels of test anxiety. Preliminary results from this study will be presented. Overall, these findings may help understand pathways that exacerbate or help mitigate students’ test anxiety.