Development and Psychometric Properties of the Measure of Anxiety in Practical Examinations

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Published Apr 12, 2023

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Siobhan O'Connor, Dr
Centre for Injury Prevention and Performance, Athletic Therapy and Training, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University., Dublin, Ireland
Enda F Whyte, Dr
Centre for Injury Prevention and Performance, Athletic Therapy and Training, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
Sinead O'Keeffe, Dr
Centre for Injury Prevention and Performance, Athletic Therapy and Training, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
Eva M Frank, Dr
Athletic Training Department, Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pennsylvania, USA
Glen Bergeron, Professor
Gupta Faculty of Kinesiology and Applied Health, The University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Greg Gardner, Professor
Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.
Kieran Moran, Professor
Centre for Injury Prevention and Performance, School of Health and Human Performance and Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics in Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
John Corrigan, Mr
Centre for Injury Prevention and Performance, Athletic Therapy and Training, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.

Abstract

Introduction: High levels of exam anxiety are evident in healthcare students. Practical exams are an integral part of healthcare profession programs. However, no standardised reliable and valid instrument exists to measure practical exam anxiety in healthcare students.
Objective: This study aimed to modify a valid and reliable measure used to examine anxiety in job interviews, for use in practical examinations. We aimed to examine psychometric properties of the new modified instrument, now characterized as the Measure of Anxiety in Practical Examinations (MAPE) and determine if any differences in gender, personal history of GAD or family history of GAD impacted MAPE scores.
Methods: Exploratory factor analysis using principal component analysis was conducted and Cronbach’s alpha examined internal consistency of instrument.
Results: Most A five factor structure was supported (Performance, Appearance, Behaviour, Communication, and Preparedness) which accounted for 60.6 % of the variance in responses. The 25 item instrument demonstrated internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.93) Females (p = 0.01) and those with personal history of GAD (0.002) presented with higher MAPE scores.
Conclusion: This The MAPE is an acceptable measure of identifying students who present with practical exam anxiety and can help support healthcare profession students to alleviate practical exam anxiety and ensure students' grades more accurately reflect their skill acquisition. Gender and personal history of GAD can also impact practical exam anxiety and should be considered when addressing practical exam anxiety in healthcare profession students.
Keywords: Assessment, Examination anxiety, Healthcare Profession Programme, Practical examination anxiety, Practical exam anxiety, Test anxiety.

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How to Cite
O’Connor, S., Whyte, E., O’Keeffe, S., Frank, E., Bergeron, G., Gardner, G., Moran, K., & Corrigan, J. (2023). Development and Psychometric Properties of the Measure of Anxiety in Practical Examinations. Health Professions Educator Journal, 6(SpecialIss). Retrieved from https://hpej.net/journals/medicaleducator/article/view/1952
Issue
Vol 6 (2023): Special Issue: Sustainable Development Goal 4 - Quality Education
Section
Articles
Author Biographies

Siobhan O'Connor, Dr, Centre for Injury Prevention and Performance, Athletic Therapy and Training, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University., Dublin, Ireland

Dr O'Connor is a Certified Athletic Therapist and an Associate Professor in the School of Health and Human Performance in Dublin City University. 

Enda F Whyte, Dr, Centre for Injury Prevention and Performance, Athletic Therapy and Training, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.

Dr Whyte is a Certified Athletic Therapist and an Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Human Performance in Dublin City University. 

Sinead O'Keeffe, Dr, Centre for Injury Prevention and Performance, Athletic Therapy and Training, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.

Dr O'Keeffe is a Certified Athletic Therapist and an Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Human Performance in Dublin City University. 

Eva M Frank, Dr, Athletic Training Department, Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pennsylvania, USA

Dr Frank is a certified athletic trainer and is an Assistant Professor in Athletic Training in Lebanon Valley College. 

Glen Bergeron, Professor, Gupta Faculty of Kinesiology and Applied Health, The University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Professor Bergeron is a certified athletic therapist and is a Professor in Athletic Training in the Gupta Faculty of Kinesiology and Applied Health in the University of Winnipeg. 

Greg Gardner, Professor, Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.

Dr Gardner is a certified athletic trainer and is a Clinical Professor in Athletic Training in the Oxley College of Health Sciences in the University of Tulsa. 

Kieran Moran, Professor, Centre for Injury Prevention and Performance, School of Health and Human Performance and Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics in Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland

Professor Moran is a Professor of Biomechanics in the School of Health and Human Performance and Insight SFI research centre for data analytics in Dublin City University

John Corrigan, Mr, Centre for Injury Prevention and Performance, Athletic Therapy and Training, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.

Mr Corrigan is a Certified Athletic Therapist and a PhD student in the Centre for Injury Prevention and Performance and School of Health and Human Performance in Dublin City University.