REDUCING TEST ANXIETY AMONG NURSING STUDENTS: A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
A research study is proposed to investigate an approach to reducing levels of test anxiety among nursing students. The problem statement, research question, and study purpose are presented in this introductory section of the research proposal. Following the introductory information, a review of the relevant literature and a description and explanation of the proposed research methodology are presented.
Test anxiety is a widely reported and investigated phenomenon across a broad spectrum of educational settings (Griffin & Griffin, 1998). While test anxiety is less reported in relation to nursing education, the phenomenon nevertheless represents a substantial impediment to effective academic performance for many nursing students (Barkley, Rhodes, & DuFour, 1998). Gaberson (1997) suggested that nursing student behavior associated with test anxiety may be mistaken by instructors for behavior associated with academic dishonesty, and occurrence that could cause even more grief for the anxious nursing student. Kleinbeck, English, Sherley, and Howes (1998) contend that test anxiety continues to plague many nurses once they are in professional practice. Test anxiety among nursing students, thus, is a real problem that needs to be addressed in a productive manner.
Many different approaches to help people deal with test anxiety have been put forward over the years (Griffin & Griffin, 1998). Most of these approaches are based on some form of cognitive strategy that students are expected to adopt and put into action. These strategies, while eminently logical, however, frequently fail to address the underlying socioemotional concerns of students affected by test anxiety. Thus, it is proposed that an intervention based on Herbert Benson's (1975) relaxation response to stress and anxiety be tested to determine its effectiveness in reducing levels of test anxiety among ...