Writing Apprehension and Writing Competency

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Writing apprehension is a situation and subject-specific individual difference concerned with people’s general tendencies to approach or avoid writing. Theoretically, and on the basis of previous research, those with low apprehension about writing should perform better on tests of writing skills than highly apprehensive writers. The present study tested this prediction. As expected, low apprehensives scored significantly better on comprehensive tests of grammar, mechanics, and larger concerns in writing skills. Supplemental analyses revealed that average scores for individuals normally classified as moderates tended to fall between the average scores obtained for high and low apprehensives.