Causes and Reduction Strategies of Research Writing Anxiety among Social Science Undergraduate Students at Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy, Tanzania

Abstract

This study examined the causes and reduction strategies of research writing anxiety among social science undergraduate students at The Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy (MNMA) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A descriptive research design was adopted to facilitate the collection of quantitative data using a structured close -ended questionnaire.  A total of sample size of 168 respondents were determined, using an online sample size calculator. Data was analyzed descriptively using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 19. The findings exhibit a significant prevalence of anxiety among students caused by several factors such as lack of research writing skills, unfamiliarity with academic conventions, and time constraints. Additionally, the study identified several strategies to reduce research writing anxiety, including dedicating a semester for research, selecting appropriate supervisors, allowing more time for research writing, limiting undergraduate students to writing only a proposal and making research an optional module. In light of the prevalence of anxiety among students, the study recommends that university administrators implement targeted support programs, including writing workshops and counseling services, to help students manage and reduce their anxiety levels effectively.