Correlations and Gender Differences between Self-efficacy and Test Anxiety in University Students

Abstract

This study investigates whether there is a correlation between test anxiety and self-efficacy among university students, with a focus on whether there are differences in test anxiety and self-efficacy between male and female students. A sample of 1980 students was drawn from a Scottish university to participate in the study. The MSLQ questionnaire was used to measure the students' test anxiety and self-efficacy levels. Independent sample t-tests and Pearson correlation tests were conducted on the data collected. The independent samples t-test results showed that female students had significantly higher test anxiety and significantly lower self-efficacy than male students. Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between test anxiety and self-efficacy. The findings of this study have important implications for further research into the reasons for the differences in the mindsets of male and female students facing examinations, and for addressing the dilemmas of female students about examinations and self-efficacy.