A Revised Version of the Norwegian Adaptation of the Test Anxiety Inventory in a Heterogeneous Population

Abstract

Confirmatory factor analysis and Multiple Indicators, Multiple Causes (MIMIC) modeling were employed to investigate psychometric properties of a revised adaptation of the Norwegian version of the Test Anxiety Inventory (RTAIN) in a sample of 456 students. The study supported the Norwegian version as a useful inventory for measuring the components of worry and emotionality of the test anxiety construct. The MIMIC modeling approach supported three major findings: First, the item indicators were homogenous with reference to study program affiliation and age level. Students in different study programs did not differ with respect to levels of worry and emotionality. Second, female students displayed higher levels of worry and emotionality as frequently reported in measurement studies of test anxiety. Third, students below the age of 24 reported a higher level of worry than older students.

Keywords:

• test anxiety
• psychometric property
• confirmatory factor analysis
• MIMIC

Acknowledgments

The authors greatly appreciate a scholarship from the Norwegian Research Council to the first author that facilitated the completion of the present report.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Tuva Øktedalen

Tuva Øktedalen, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo; Knut A. Hagtvet, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo.  Tuva Øktedalen is now affiliated to Modum Bad, Vikersund, Norway.