Identification and Validation of a Brief Test Anxiety Screening Tool

Abstract

The implementation of test-based accountability policies around the world has increased the pressure placed on students to perform well on state achievement tests. Educational researchers have begun taking a closer look at the reciprocal effects of test anxiety and high-stakes testing. However, existing test anxiety assessments lack efficiency and ease of use necessary for universal screening and progress monitoring in school settings. This study investigated the psychometric properties of a brief version of the FRIEDBEN Test Anxiety Scale (B-FTAS), which has the unique strength of measuring test anxiety using a contemporary biopsychosocial model. The B-FTAS was administered to 1,463 high school students across 6 school districts 1 week before a high-stakes test. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses identified a 3-factor, brief, 12-item test anxiety assessment consistent with a biopsychosocial model including social, cognitive, and physiological factors. Results provide sufficient evidence for internal reliability and validity of this brief measure of test anxiety. Implications for future development and use of screening instruments in the assessment of high or debilitating anxiety are discussed.

Keywords:

• Brief assessment
• educational accountability
• high-stakes testing
• test anxiety

Notes

^1. The Midwest Merit Exam is a pseudonym used to protect the confidentiality of participants and the specific state involved in the study.