The effects of test item format on self-efficacy and worry during a high-stakes computer-based certification examination☆

摘要

This study investigated the relationships between test item format and state self-efficacy and state worry as a result of completing a computerized, high-stakes certification examination. The Novell™ certification test used both multiple-choice and open-ended item formats. Participants were 610 male Certified NetWare Engineer™ candidates. They were asked to describe their thoughts and feelings about the recently completed Novell™ examination. The results indicated that there was no significant effect of item format on either state self-efficacy or state worry. However, participants who achieved mastery status on the exam demonstrated both significantly higher levels of state self-efficacy and less state worry than those participants who failed the exam.