The Foreign Language Test Anxiety Scale: Tests of Reliability and Validity

Research Article

Abstract

While studies have mainly focused on test anxiety in a general educational context, limited research has focused on developing a test anxiety scale in the foreign language context. The Test Anxiety Scale developed by Sarason (1978) has been frequently used in the foreign language research context. However, recent approaches, intercultural differences, and educational technology may have profound effects on test anxiety. Thus, this study aims to develop a valid and reliable tool to measure test anxiety levels among adult foreign language learners. A background questionnaire and the pilot version of the Foreign Language Test Anxiety Scale (FLTAS) were administered to 107 foreign language learners. To see the reliability and validity of the scale, Cronbach's Alpha and exploratory factor analysis were performed. The results showed that the FLTAS obtained a high level of reliability and validity in a three-factor solution.