Teaching self-control of study behavior

A self-control procedure to improve study habits was taught to 38 volunteer students at the University of New Mexico summer school. The program involved the utilization of stimulus control procedures, self-reinforcement and punishment, and the SQ3R method (Robinson, 1946) of studying. Ss receiving the lessons showed a significant gain in grade point average (G.P.A.) for the three semesters following the study over the two preceding semesters, when compared with those not receiving the lessons. This gain was not due to any change in University grading standards. No difference in G.P.A. gains was found between Ss who received and discussed the lessons in group meetings and those who simply received them individually in written form.