Effects of Self-Monitoring and Self-Administered Reinforcement on Study Behaviors¹

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of sell-reinforcement of monitoring study behaviors on study habits. Forty-three Ss were exposed to an 8-session group study skills program. Students were assigned to one of three conditions: a condition in which Ss did not deliberately monitor any behavior, and two conditions in which Ss reinforced their monitoring-one recording study activities and the other library activities. All Ss significantly improved their study habits following the program, and showed significant further gains on a 6-month follow-up. No difference was found among the conditions. An interpretation of results is discussed.