Correlation of Test Anxiety and Working Memory: A Survey Study of Secondary School Students

Abstract

This study was conducted to find a connection between test anxiety and working memory. All the students of secondary schools of Punjab were taken as population. A total of 504 students were drawn as a sample through stratified random sampling among which 252 were boys and 252 were girls. For data collection; two tests for working memory and a Likert scale for test anxiety were used. It is concluded from the results that there is a significant negative connection exist among test anxiety and working memory. The direction of relation indicates that if test anxiety amplifies it will lower the working memory and vice versa. Based on the findings the study proposed subsequent recommendations: 1) the prevailing system of common education may be more dynamic, motivating and skill-oriented. 2) Rote memorizing of material should be discouraged. 3) The curriculum of the secondary school may be upgraded and industrialized.