Path Analytic Study of Factors Affecting Students’ Attitude towards Test-Taking in Secondary Schools in Afikpo Education Zone, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Valentine Joseph  Owan; Bassey Asuquo  Bassey; Daniel Clement  Agurokpon

doi:10.20448/815.31.10.20

Authors

Valentine Joseph Owan Department of Educational Management, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
Bassey Asuquo Bassey Department of Educational Foundations, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
Daniel Clement Agurokpon Department of Microbiology, Cross River University of Technology, Nigeria.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20448/815.31.10.20

Keywords:

Path analysis, Factors, Students, Attitudes, Test-taking, Academic activity.

Abstract

A structural equation modelling approach was used to analyse 32 factors affecting students’ attitudes towards test-taking in secondary schools. Data for the study were obtained from a sample of 1,276 students using the proportionate stratified random sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was a Rating Scale on Factors Affecting Students’ Attitudes Towards Test-Taking (RSFASATTT). Findings of the study revealed a total of 21 factors that significantly affect students’ attitudes towards test-taking in secondary schools. Out of these significant factors, 14 had a positive effect while 7 factors negatively affected students’ attitudes towards test-taking. However, 11 factors were not significant predictors of students’ attitudes towards test-taking. Based on these findings, it was concluded that students’ attitudes towards test-taking are affected by several factors. These factors are either traceable to the students’ emotions, their family background, or the school environment. Based on this conclusion, recommendations and policy implications were made.