Study Habits Survey

Written and Illustrated by Sarah Francioni

Now we know which study habits we should unlearn, or avoid picking up, and can look at some healthy and effective study habits to help you “study smarter.” To better understand how common particular study habits are amongst college students, I conducted a short survey asking students what methods work best for them when studying. I compared the results with outside research to further explain when these specific study methods should be used, how they help students study more successfully, and why they are encouraged. It should be noted that your study regimen should be specific to you and your style of learning. These methods are accepted widely as successful study habits but that does not mean they work equally for every student. It’s important to understand the best ways in which you learn and develop good study habits that work best for you.

Do you retain information better by rereading it or rewriting it?

15% of students retain information by rereading it, 45% of students retain information by rewriting it, and 40% of students prefer to do both. Carole Wade, PhD, Carol Tavris, PhD, and Maryanne Garry, PhD, discuss the 3R technique in their article The Nine Secrets of Learning. The describe the 3R technique as three basic steps: Read, Recite, Review. They say to rereading your notes or textbook, reciting what you read, then reviewing it again is the most effective way to remember information. They also explain the importance of organizing and rewriting your notes to help you process all the information you’re absorbing.

Do you prefer to study outside or inside?

About 18% of students prefer to study outside, while about 83% of students prefer to study indoors. Studying outdoors can improve your mood, reduce stress, and enhance motivation and creativity. However, if you’re a person that relies heavily on privacy when it’s time to focus, you would likely benefit more from studying indoors. If you choose to study outside, be sure you are somewhere quiet with limited distractions. If you choose to study indoors, I suggest taking a step outside on your study breaks to get some fresh air and rest your mind a bit.

Do you study better alone or in a group?

5% of students said they study better in a group, about 58% of students said they study better alone, and about 38% of students said they can study well either way. The truth is, there’s lots of benefits to studying in a group. Studying in groups allows you to discuss the information and recite it back to one another, which is proven to help the brain better retain information. A group also benefits those that don’t understand the material very well and need a bit more explanation. However, groups can also stray off topic easily and it can be difficult to find a study time that works for everyone. If you find that you are easily distracted or only available to study at inconvenient times, it is probably best to study alone

How far in advance do you study for a test to receive a grade of B or higher?

About 3% of students said they study the day of, 15% said they study two weeks in advance, 30% said they study one week before a test, and about 53% said they study a few days before. The amount of time it takes someone to study for a test to receive a good grade is different for everyone. Studies have shown that if you review information for 1o minutes for 7 days, you be able to recall it within 5 minutes. Ideally, reviewing your notes for 30 minutes each day until your test can help keep it fresh in your mind.

Do you prefer to study for long periods of time or short periods of time with study breaks?

The results for this question were 50/50. Half of the students feel that study breaks only distract them, and the other half feel more focused when they allow themselves study breaks. A 2011 study led by Professor Alejandro Lleras found that when subjects were allowed two diversions within a 50 minute study period they stayed more on task. The duration in which you study depends entirely on your own preference, but it may benefit you to try studying for 50 minutes and allowing yourself 10 minute breaks. How far in advance do you study for a test to receive a grade of B or higher?

Do you study better in the morning, during the day, or at night?

20% of students said they study better in the morning, about 33% of students said they study better during the day, and about 48% of students said they study better at night. The majority of students prefer studying at night, so does that mean we should all reserve our studies until after dark? Our minds and bodies work more efficiently at specific times based entirely on our Circadian Rhythms, our 24-hour sleep-wake cycle. This cycle is specific to each individual and governs what times of the day we will be most productive. If you are a morning person, you will focus best in the morning and during the day. If you are a nightowl, you will focus best at night. When scheduling your study sessions, try to pick a time in which you are most alert. This will differ for everyone, but ample amounts of sleep is important no matter what time you study.

Does color coding information help you to better remember information?

About 30% of students said no and about 70% of students said yes. There are 3 regions of the brain that are activated by color stimulus, and studies have shown that the brain recalls colored images more than black and white images. It is important to remeber that contrast is important when color coding information, as contrast is proven to influence the extent to which colors can aid in memory performance.

Do you listen to music while you study? Why or Why not?

Answers to this question varied greatly. Some students said that music distracts them from their studies too much, while others said specific music like classical or instrumental keeps them focused. Music is proven to effect our mood, blood pressure and heart rate, so it’s normal that it would help some people concentrate. For those that get distracted easily by music, try creating a specific playlist of music that keeps you focused. Classical, instrumental, and electronic music have been said to have positive effects on concentration. Does color coding information help you to better remember information?