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
