Gender Difference in Test Anxiety among Psychology Students at the University of Cape Coast

Most learners live in a test-conscious, test-giving culture and their lives are in part determined by their test performance. It is anticipated that test anxiety is a universal problem for many students who are troubled by stress associated with taking tests that they experience substantial decrements in performance in evaluative situations. This study investigated the gender difference in test anxiety among Psychology students at the University of Cape Coast. Using a descriptive survey design and a proportionate simple random sampling technique, 157 students were sampled for the study. A questionnaire was administered to the participants. The data collected were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and the students’ independent samples t-test. The result revealed no significant gender difference in the levels of test anxiety as well as how they cope with test anxiety. Testing schedules and inadequate preparation by students were identified as the two leading causes of test anxiety. It was recommended to the management of the university to ensure compliance with the implementation of the structured testing schedule by lecturers and the counseling center should engage in an intermittent educational program of their services to make students more aware and patronize their services when they become test anxious.