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Why is it I know the information and then I go to take the test and I freeze and forget everything?

19 Answers
Last Updated: 05/23/2022 at 2:58pm
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Lisa Groesz, PhD

Psychologist

With evidenced based therapies, we find the root of the problem together to implement solutions. We all face crises, transitions, or disorders at some time.

Top Rated Answers
Zora17
February 14th, 2015 4:05am
That sounds like test anxiety. Perhaps you feel so much pressure to do well and remember everything, that you get nervous that you'll forget and do poorly, and then that fear paralyzes you in the moment of test-taking, which then reinforces the anxiety.
Gi
April 4th, 2015 11:13pm
You are thinking more about the result than the test itself! Dont worry so much. Think about how you prepared yourself for it, how ready you are. Also have in mind it will not be the last test you'll ever do! When reading it just think about it. Nothing else.
Anonymous
April 24th, 2015 10:07pm
You could have a form of anxiety called test anxiety. Not everyone can test like everyone else, and that's okay! The best way is learning ways to test without making you too nervous.
Anonymous
May 22nd, 2015 10:33am
It sounds like you're experiencing some test anxiety! It might help for you to find a plan to help cope with this anxiety. Doing things to settle your nerves before the test, and even employing anxiety coping methods like deep breathing during the test, might help you out here.
KatelynSlaterDreamer
July 22nd, 2019 4:02pm
Your limbic system is where memory is stored, its also what processes emotion and a lot of your sensory input, as much as we're very advanced we're also still animals at our core, so the disruption created by your own emotion can also disrupt your memory and other low-level processes, if we were computers it would almost be like having a virus, but since its more complex then that I personally use music, I was given special permission in school to use music because the rhythm can help suppress your limbic interference by accessing memory very fast and randomly to process the rhythm, thereby distracting your anxiety and allowing you to succeed! Of course everyone varies, you can always find what works for you but its that first step that can lead you down the path to true success!
naturalSunshine2980
May 23rd, 2022 2:58pm
It might be from your anxiety and fear of test taking. Taking tests are extremely scaring, especially for areas where you might not be as confident. You can study for hours, but once the test comes your body freezes. You are not alone. Take some deep breaths, inhale and exhale. Your test grade does not define who you are at all or by any means. You can always talk to your professor or teacher and let them be aware of your struggles. They will understand and they may allow you to take the test over in a different circumstance. They are there to help you.
gentleLily
June 11th, 2018 5:54pm
Some people have test anxiety. Even though you know the material, your mind is racing with worry, and there is no room in your working memory to recall the information you need. Relaxation techniques can be helpful for test anxiety.
Anonymous
December 5th, 2017 12:14am
My guess would be test anxiety. Normally you know the information until you must know, where it all slips out of your mind.
TheAdmirableCreatureAmanda
August 8th, 2016 7:11am
You may be suffering from test anxiety. I frequently run into test anxiety, and one of the things that I do to help calm me is I imagine my cat (aka my calming kitten sleeping on my lap), basically the only way I have found to help combat test anxiety is to calm myself, therefore I imagine my cat!
Anonymous
July 4th, 2016 4:54pm
Preparing for a thing and then actually DOING that thing are very different, and for a lot of people, the pressure of that thing ACTUALLY HAPPENING causes them to freeze up and panic, because what if they're not prepared enough??? It's very common, and there are ways to deal with it. Try taking deep breaths when you begin a test, and remind yourself that you DO know the information, maybe even go over the info in your head to tell yourself, "it's okay, I got this." :)
Anonymous
June 6th, 2016 10:56am
Your have an active mind its common many people deal with it. It can be hard. But your not alone just take a second to breathe and think
Anonymous
April 11th, 2016 9:10pm
that happens with almost everyone, it's just how nervous people are, you're not stupid or anything it's just life I suppose
strawberryLake18
April 5th, 2016 10:09pm
Having a child is something that needs to be discussed between the two parts of the couple and so I think u actually have to talk to him about it
ohlookitsmejamie
February 9th, 2016 3:39am
If you're stressed about the test, then that probably plays a really big role in it. There's a hormone in our bodies called cortisol, which is connected to stress. Research shows us that high levels of cortisol can actually affect memory (negatively, that is). Chances are that when you're worried about a test, your cortisol levels are going up and affecting your memory. So next time you have a test, just remember to calm down, and do your best!
Sudoki
December 22nd, 2015 7:55am
For me it is poor studying habits. When I didn't know how my brain is best prepared for a test I would overprepare and stress about minute details. It's a matter of figuring out how you work best.
Kaylee
December 14th, 2015 12:03pm
I think in that case, you may be experiencing some type of nervousness, or better explained as anxiety.
MusicMajor
September 29th, 2015 8:53pm
A lot of times, at least for me, this is because I second guess myself way too much! I think that the teacher is trying to make me fail on purpose, which is normally not the case! I believe a wonderful way to help with this is to just take a deep breath at the beginning of the test and keep a positive attitude telling yourself that you know this information and that you will be fine! Hope that helped! "\ml/"
Anonymous
June 6th, 2015 2:31pm
Usually this happens because you are pressured to do well on a test you have been preparing. Your nervousness may affect you way of thinking.
Anonymous
May 1st, 2015 7:36pm
The fear of results. Yeah that is the thing. We stop believing in ourselves. Which make us a failure