Achievement anxiety test: dimensionality and utility

Data collected from 378 university subjects on 21 variables enabled a study of the dimensionality of the Achievement Anxiety Test (AAT) using item analysis, correlations with other variables, and factor analysis. These analyses pointed to the viability of a unidimensional construct. Also, the utility of a unidimensional scale in association with other variables related to academic achievement situations was tested using extreme selections of subjects based on the total AAT. Among the variables that exhibited differences when considered in this fashion were those reflecting previous academic work, confidence in work done previously, quantitative ability, enjoyment of subject, self-view of ability, and self-concept in a university setting. These findings may be of value to those devising programs to alleviate test anxiety. Another outcome of the investigation was the stronger relation of test anxiety to performance during an individualized method of instruction in comparison with that during a conventional lecture/examination method of instruction.