Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Type of cognitive modeling, imitation of modeled tactics, and modification of test anxiety

  • Published:
Cognitive Therapy and Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Effects of two types of cognitive modeling (problem-solving rules vs. coping self-instructions)on laboratory test anxiety were examined in two experiments. Both studies included assessment of observers' cognitive processes while working anagrams to evaluate modeling effects on cognitive tactics and to determine how they related to subsequent behavior. Experiment 1 investigated the influence of type of modeling and model reward on performance. Experiment 2 served to replicate any modeling effects and used a pre-post assessment of observers' strategies to clarify how modeling operated. Results from both studies offered some support for the multiple influence of cognitive modeling procedures over a model control, but were equivocal regarding the relative superiority of the two types in facilitating anagram performance. Modeling effects were limited by unequal difficulty among anagrams and perceived differences in relevance of particular tactics providing mixed support of Sarason's research. Assessment of observers' cognitive processes suggested that negative self-talk was task interfering and imitation of solution rules but not coping instructions was associated with quicker solution. Pre-post analysis revealed that college female observers possessed a repertoire of solution rules similar to modeled rules and that modeling acted to increase subsequent use of tactics in contrast to controls.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bruch, M. A. Coping model treatments: Unresolved issues and needed research.Behavior Therapy 1976,7 711–713.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crager, R. L. The relation of anxiety, sex, and instructions to performance and verbal behavior during anagram solution. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Washington, 1959.

  • Kazdin, A. E. Covert modeling and the reduction of avoidance behavior.Journal of Abnormal Psychology 1973,31 87–95.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kazdin, A. E. Effects of covert modeling and reinforcement on assertive behavior.Journal of Abnormal Psychology 1974,83 240–252.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kunce, J. T., Bruch, M. A., & Thelen, M. H. Vicarious induction of academic achievement behavior in disadvantaged adults.Journal of Counseling Psychology 1974,21 507–510.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meichenbaum, D. Examination of model characteristics in reducing avoidance behavior.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 1971,17 298–307.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meichenbaum, D. Cognitive modification of test anxious college students.Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 1972,39 370–380.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Meichenbaum, D., & Goodman, J. Training impulsive children to talk to themselves: A means of developing self-control.Journal of Abnormal Psychology 1971,77 115–126.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Russell, D. G., & Sarason, I. G. Test anxiety, sex and experimental conditions in relation to anagram solution.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 1965,1 493–496.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richardson, F. C.A self-study manual for students on coping with test-taking anxiety. Unpublished manual, University of Texas at Austin, 1973.

  • Sarason, I. G. Experimental approaches to test anxiety: Attention and the uses of information. In C. D. Spielberger (Ed.),Anxiety: Current trends in theory and research (Vol. 2). New York: Academic Press, 1972. (a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sarason, I. G. Test anxiety and the model who fails.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 1972,22 410–413. (b)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sarason, I. G. Test anxiety and cognitive modeling.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 1973,28 58–61. (a)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sarason, I. G. Test anxiety and social influence.Journal of Personality 1973,41 261–271. (b)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sarason, I. G. Anxiety and self-preoccupation. In I. G. Sarason & C. D. Spielberger (Eds.),Stress and anxiety (Vol. 2). New York: Wiley, 1975. (a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sarason, I. G. Test anxiety and the self-disclosing coping model.Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 1975,43 148–153. (b)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wine, J. Test anxiety and direction of attention.Psychological Bulletin 1971,76 92–104.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Winer, B. J.Statistical principles in experimental designs. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1971.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bradley University, 134 Bradley Hall, 61625, Peoria, Illinois, USA

    Monroe A. Bruch

Authors
  1. Monroe A. Bruch
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

This research was sponsored in part by a small grant from the Bradley Board of Research, Creative Production, and Sponsored Programs, Bradley University.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bruch, M.A. Type of cognitive modeling, imitation of modeled tactics, and modification of test anxiety. Cogn Ther Res 2, 147–164 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01172728

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01172728

Keywords

Search

Navigation