Factors associated with test anxiety of the 2nd year and 3rd year students of a private college in Iloilo City

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the factors associated with test anxiety of the 2nd year and 3rd year students of a private college in Iloilo City. Specifically this study aimed to determine (1) respondents characteristics in term of age, gender, the high school graduated from, year level and course; (2) their perceived competence/ability; (3) their achievement goal; (4) and their test anxiety; (5) The study furthermore aimed to determine the relationship between (a) the respondents’ characteristics and test anxiety, perceived competence/ ability and achievement goal, (b) perceived competence/ability and test anxiety, and (c) between achievement goal and the test anxiety. This is a descriptive correlation study that employed a one shot survey of the target college proportionately allocated to the various department of the College. The research instruments used were the Standardized Achievement Goal Questionnaire, West Side Anxiety Scale and Self-Perception Profile. Percentages distributors, gamma and chi square tests were the statistical tools used to analyze the data gathered. The findings revealed that more than half of the respondents were female 16-21 years old, and public high school graduates. In terms of competencies the respondents high scholastic competence, close friendship, social acceptance and global self-worth. The Age was found to be significantly related to close friendship. A significant relationship was also found in job competence and between year level and social acceptance and between job competence and global self-worth.

Majority of the respondents utilized the four goals, the mastery avoidance and approach and performance approach and avoidance and almost all respondents experience average test anxiety in each and every goal. Only gender was significant by related to performance avoidance and year level is significant by related with mastery avoidance. Across the respondents’ characteristics and competence, the majority were experiencing average test anxiety. Only athletic competence and global self-worth were found to be significantly related. The students of the private school in Iloilo City in general were taking their studies seriously, they value the coursework and assignment given to them especially in a skill based kind of degree. They have the ability to tackle life under pressure and try to be as comfortable despite of different experiences they had. As much as possible the students try to used different approaches and avoidance to achieve their goals, to improve themselves and for the accomplishment of task given to them. The students over all experience average anxiety, it can’t be denied because of all negative feelings and fear of failing the examination. Over all students were happy of their current situation and the way they were right now and the way they were leading their life.