EFFECT OF TEST ANXIETY ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: A SURVEY STUDY OF PUNJAB SECONDARY SCHOOLS

AbstractThis research inquiry was conducted to probe the consequence of test anxiety on students’ academic performance. The research design was descriptive, while the quantitative research approach adopted for the purpose of collecting and interpreting the desired information.  504 students (252 male and 252 female students) of the 10th class were selected as sample from nine cities of Punjab.  The Westside Test Anxiety Scale for measuring test anxiety which was prepared by Richard Driscoll, Ph.D. available on the American Test Anxiety Association web was used to gauge the test anxiety of the students.  For statistical investigation and interpretation, Pearson r was exercised.  The findings of the study supported the research hypothesis as a significant correlation (r= -.072*) in students with higher anxiety and their academic performance and in students with low anxiety with their academic performance (r= -.083*) was found.  The study also hypothesized that as the degree of anxiety raisin the level of academic performance would decline and vice versa.  The value of Pearson r showed a significant connection between test anxiety and academic achievement/ performance as p< .05.  Thus the null hypotheses of the study were rejected.