The Relationship of Knowledge and Usage of Study Skill Techniques to Academic Performance

Abstract

The Bronn-Holtzman Survey of Study Habits and Attitudes was employed to determine possible differences In knowledge and usage of study techniques. One hundred six male and 139 female undergraduates completed the Instrument under two sets of instructions! Real (usage), and Ideal (knowledge). Mean Ideal scores were found to be greater than mean Rent scores (p > .05). While there were no class differences in Ideal scores, a pattern emerged for upperclassmen to hare higher Real scores. Moderate correlations of Real scores and GPA were noted for Freshmen of both sexes, but marked sex differences were found In Ideal-GPA correlations. The agreement of Real and Ideal scores did not add appreciably to the multiple prediction of GPA from SAT scores. The results cast doubt on the efficacy of focusing on “technique” content In study skills courses.