Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2025

10:32
Development of a Virtual Reality Assessment of Everyday Living Skills
Published on: April 23, 2014
18.5K
Perceived Nexus Between Non-Invigilated Summative Assessment and Mental Health Difficulties: A Cross Sectional
Amanda Graf1,2, Esther Adama1, Ebenezer Afrifa-Yamoah3
1School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6024 Australia.
Summary
Non-invigilated assessments are perceived as less stressful by most university students. Factors like age and course influence this preference, suggesting alternative assessments can reduce student mental health burdens post-COVID-19.
Area of Science:
- Education
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to online learning and non-invigilated assessments in higher education.
- This transition heightened anxiety and depression among students, particularly those with fewer coping resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore student perceptions of non-invigilated alternative assessments versus traditional invigilated assessments.
- To identify factors influencing student preferences and the impact on mental health.
Main Methods:
- A pragmatic, mixed-method, cross-sectional study was conducted online.
- Quantitative data were analyzed using univariable and multivariable ordinal logistic models.
- Qualitative data involved thematic analysis of student experiences.
Main Results:
- 77% of 380 surveyed nursing and social science students found non-invigilated assessments less stressful.
- Age, course of study, study stage, and course load significantly influenced assessment preference.
- Younger students and those in early study stages showed a greater preference for non-invigilated exams.
Conclusions:
- Alternative, non-invigilated assessments are perceived favorably by students and can mitigate mental health challenges.
- Findings support the continued use of alternative assessments in higher education to reduce student stress.
Related Concept Videos
Stress and Mental Health
186
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
186
Reliability and Validity
12.8K
Reliability and validity are two important considerations that must be made with any type of data collection. Reliability refers to the ability to consistently produce a given result. In the context of psychological research, this would mean that any instruments or tools used to collect data do so in consistent, reproducible ways.
12.8K
Longitudinal Studies
191
Longitudinal studies are also widely used in other medical and social science fields. For instance, in cardiovascular research, they can monitor patients' health over decades to identify risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol or smoking, and evaluate the long-term effectiveness of preventive measures. Similarly, in mental health studies, researchers might follow individuals from adolescence into adulthood to understand the development and progression of conditions like...
191

