ERIC Number: ED200290
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1980
Pages: 34
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Reducing Student Anxiety toward Introductory Chemistry by Use of Systematic Desensitization.
Rasor, Richard A.; Engel, Dominique
A study was conducted at American River College during Spring 1981 to assess the effectiveness of a systematic desensitization program in reducing student anxiety toward chemistry and in improving student performance in chemistry courses. During the study, students in two sections of an introductory chemistry course were administered three tests at the beginning of the quarter: a questionnaire designed to measure student anxiety toward chemistry; two scales of the Alpert-Haber Achievement Anxiety Test; and a multiple-choice chemistry test. Based on test results, students were divided into a high anxiety group (HA) and a low anxiety group (LA). The high anxiety group was further divided into a control group (HAC) and a treatment group (HAT), each of which demonstrated statistically equivalent measures of chemistry anxiety. HAT students received desensitization cassettes for home use, which stressed relaxation techniques to be used during chemistry-related activities; HAC and LA students received no desensitization treatment. At the end of the quarter, all students were retested with the same instruments, and differences among the three student groups were statistically determined for: changes in pre- and post-test scores; dropout rates; and grades. Results suggest that desensitization reduces chemistry anxiety and contributes to improved classroom performance. The study report details methodology, limitations, and findings, and includes anxiety scales. (JP)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A