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Abstract

For each of two groups of 34 and 71 undergraduate college students respectively categorized as clinically test anxious (CTA sample) and as non-test anxious (NTA sample), evidence was sought regarding the discriminant validity and the concurrent validity of each of two measures—the 20-item self-report Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI) and the 8-item behavior analogue measure of test-taking performance entitled Anagram Solution Task. Normative information was also obtained for each measure to provide a basis for classifying students as being test anxious or as being non-test anxious. The statistical outcomes led to the conclusion that both the TAI and AST exhibit substantial discriminant validity, but relatively little concurrent validity. The creation of 90% confidence scoring intervals for each of the two measures shows considerable promise as a means for identifying students with differential levels of test anxiety. These instruments appear to afford a basis for both counseling and research purposes. Future directions in the assessment of test anxiety are discussed.

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Discriminant and Concurrent Validity of Two Commonly Used Measures of Test Anxiety

Abstract

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