The Relationship between Test Anxiety and Digital Disturbance among College Students

Abstract

Test anxiety is a psychological phenomenon that many students experience during their college days. This anxiety has the potential to impair students’ academic performance. In addition, smartphones and digital devices have become an essential part of modern students’ lives. This has also given birth to various digital disturbances. These disturbances have the potential to impair students’ academic performance. This has the potential to increase students’ anxiety levels during examinations. The main objective of the present study is to explore the relationship between digital disturbance and test anxiety among college students. The study is based on exploring how digital disturbances, such as excessive use of smartphones, impact students’ levels of anxiety during examinations. The data for the study were collected from 288 students of various colleges in Chennai. The analysis is done by using descriptive statistics, t-test and ANOVA. The data collection methods employed for the study were direct data collection using purposive sampling.   The test anxiety of the students was measured by the Westside Test Anxiety Scale, while the digital disturbance caused by the use of smartphones was measured by the Smartphone Addiction Scale – Short Version. The results of the study are expected to provide a better understanding of the role of digital disturbances on the test anxiety of students. The results of the study would be useful to educators, psychologists, and other stakeholders to reduce digital distractions and improve the academic well-being of students.