Comparison of Exam Anxiety in Different Motivational Profiles: A Person-Based Analysis

Different factors such as motivation and anxiety can affect the students learning activity. Therefore, educational research has shown that motivation is one of the essential factors for the improvement of student performances. Using a person-based approach, the present study aimed to determine the motivational profiles (clusters) of students and to compare their exam anxiety considering these profiles. This study was conducted with a comparative-descriptive method. The statistical population of the study was middle school boy students. 203 grade eight and nine students were choose by multiple stage cluster sampling method. They completed the Achievement Goal Questionnaire as well as the Exam Anxiety Questionnaire. Cluster analysis and ANOVA were used for data analysis using SPSS software. Cluster analysis revealed four motivational profiles for the students: 15.7% for performance avoidance cluster, 29.5 % were placed in the mastery oriented and performance-oriented cluster, 21.1 % were placed in the lack of motivation cluster, and 33.4 % were placed in multiple motivation one. The exam anxiety in the clusters including lack of motivation as well as performance avoidance was more than the other clusters (p<0.001). The findings of this study will help those involved in the area of education make effective attempts by planning helpful educational program, so it promotes the students’ learning motivations during the academic years.