Test Anxiety

1
Test Anxiety

• Presented by
• Lisa Korte
• Colorado State University

2
Anxiety in General

• Anxiety is a natural response to threatening
  situation
• Form of the fight-or-flight response in body
• HR rises, BP rises, and Breathing rate rises
• With tests, primary threat is possibility of
  failure and/or loss of esteem

3
Anxiety Cont.

• High levels of anxiety can interfere with ability
  to perform task at hand (i.e. tests)
• Stressful emotions inhibit students ability to
  absorb, retain, and recall information
• Anxiety creates a kind of noise or mental
  static in brain that blocks ability to retrieve
  what is stored in memory

4
What is Test Anxiety?

• Most often defined as a situation-specific trait
  with emotionality and worry as major components.
• In the DSM-IV, test anxiety is considered a
  specific phobia a situational type anxiety.
• Research shows approximately 20 of U.S. college
  students experience some symptoms of test anxiety
• More common in females than males

5
Common Symptoms

• Physical headaches, nausea, diarrhea, sweating,
  rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and/or dry
  mouth.
• Emotional excessive feelings of fear,
  disappointment, anger, depression, uncontrollable
  crying, or helplessness.
• Behavioral fidgeting, pacing, substance abuse,
  avoidance.
• Cognitive racing thoughts, going blank,
  difficulty concentrating, negative self-talk,
  feelings of dread.

6
Causes

• Lack of Preparation
• Poor Test History
• Fear of Failure
• Poor Time Management, Study Habits, Lack of
  Organization

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2 Types of Test Anxiety

• Anticipatory felt when thinking about taking
  test
• Situational felt when taking test

8
5 Most Common Techniques for Reducing Anxiety

• Positive thinking
• Relaxation
• Preparedness
• Resignation
• Concentration

9
Connection to Alcohol Use

• Students with test anxiety are more likely to
  drink to reduce tension
• Males report tension reduction as more important
  reason to drink than women

10
Recognizing Test Anxiety

• Have a hard time studying for an exam
• Finding things easily distract you when studying
  for an exam
• Expectation of failure no matter how much you
  study
• During test experience sweaty palms, an upset
  stomach, a headache, difficulty breathing, and/or
  muscle tension
• During test you experience difficulty
  understanding questions and directions

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Recognizing Test Anxiety Cont.

• Thoughts are unorganized during the test
• During the test you draw a blank
• During the test you find that your thoughts
  wander
• Usually score lower on tests than assignments and
  papers
• After the test you can recall information that
  you couldnt during the test

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Before The Test

• Use good study techniques and build confidence
• Maintain a positive attitude while you study
• Be well rested and fed (no junk food!)
• Practice good time management when studying
• Get organized
• Take a step by step approach to studying
• Get help for material you are unsure of

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Best Environment to Study

• Minimize noise levels
• Use do not disturb sign
• Make sure room is well lit
• Cool temperature better than warm
• Use a desk and a chair with high back
• Have everything you need handy

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Tips for Reducing Test Anxiety

• Be prepared
• Develop good test-taking skills
• Maintain a positive attitude positive self-talk
• Address what if questions

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Tips Cont.

• Stay focused
• Practice relaxation techniques
• Stay healthy
• Seek additional help (counseling center)

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During The Test

• Read all directions carefully
• Budget your test taking time
• Change position to help you relax
• If you go blank, skip the question and go to the
  next

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During the Test Cont.

• Dont panic when students turn in test before you
• Take slow deep breaths
• Use positive statements (I can do this)
• Eat a small snack to take your mind off the
  anxiety

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Discussion

• Questions
• Ideas
• Discussion