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

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.