FRIDAY, Oct. 12 (HealthDay News) -- For students with a good
memory, feeling anxious before taking an exam might actually
lead to a higher test score, researchers have found. In the new
study, researchers in England used computer tests to assess
levels of anxiety and working memory in 96 students, aged 12 to
14. Good working memory is generally associated with better
school performance. The students were then tested on their
general thinking and math skills. The researchers found that in
students with a good working memory, anxiety was associated with
higher test scores. In students with a poor working memory,
anxiety led to lower test results, according to the report
published Oct. 12 in the British Journal of Psychology. "The
research is exciting because it enhances our knowledge of when,
specifically, anxiety can have a negative impact on taking
tests. The findings also suggest that there are times when a
little bit of anxiety can actually motivate you to succeed,"
study author Matthew Owens, a researcher