Role of gender, self-efficacy, anxiety and testing formats in learning spreadsheets

In this paper we investigate the role of spreadsheet self-efficacy, spreadsheet anxiety, and gender in explaining performance in using spreadsheets. Additionally, we compare two learning assessment formats: multiple choice tests and constructed response tests, as applied to spreadsheets. The empirical investigation using data from 217 students indicates the following: (1) spreadsheet self-efficacy was inversely related to spreadsheet anxiety. (2) Female students reported higher levels of spreadsheet anxiety. (3) There was significant difference between the variances of multiple choice test scores and constructed response test scores and (4) Female students performed better than male students in multiple choice test format and were at par with male students in constructed response test format.

• We develop a model to explain performance and anxiety in using spreadsheets. • We use antecedents: spreadsheet self-efficacy, spreadsheet anxiety and gender. • Spreadsheet self-efficacy was found to be inversely related to anxiety. • Female students reported higher spreadsheet anxiety but similar performance. • Variances among the two assessment formats were found to be different.