Examining Test Anxiety and Its Impact on Language Performance Among University Students: A Comparative Analysis by Gender

Abstract

This research paper examines the impact of test anxiety among English language students at the university level. The study employed a quantitative methodology, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to 100 students from the Department of Languages and Translation, University College of Haql, University of Tabuk. The sample consisted of 50 male and 50 female participants. The study aims to examine the relationship between test anxiety and self-assessed language performance and to identify gender differences in anxiety levels. When Test anxiety considers as a prevalent issue or problem affecting students at all education levels, especially among English language students at the university level could be characterized by severe emotional, physiological, and cognitive discomfort during examinations. This may hamper the academic performance of students, diminishing their motivation and interest in studies. Data analysis covered both descriptive and inferential statistics, and revealed that the respondents text anxiety was moderate, with significant negative correlation between anxiety and self-assessment in the key language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The findings revel that, there is a moderate level of anxiety among the participants. This was reflected in the moderate levels of anxiety, as seen in various items of TAI, negative relationship between test anxiety and self-assessed language performance. This implies that students are likely to rate their language skills poorly, as their test anxiety increases, finally gender differences were evident, with female students reporting significantly higher levels of anxiety than their male counterparts. The need for a targeted preventive program, improved faculty training, and gender-sensitive support programs mirrored well in the results, indicating strategies following the principles of Cognitive-Behavioral Theory. Recommendations focused on implementing these measures to mitigate test anxiety and enhance academic performance, contributing to a more supportive educational environment.