A Q Factor Analysis of College Undergraduate Students’ Study Behaviors

• In Event: Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: Methods for Understanding the College Student Experience

Abstract

This study attempted to better understand the study behaviors of undergraduate students by categorizing students into distinctive typologies based on their self-reported study behaviors through Q factor analysis. A sample of 152 undergraduate students completed a survey instrument Study Behavior Inventory. The Q factor analysis yielded a two factor structure. The first student type demonstrated reflective, well-organized study behaviors and favored high-level thinking. Type 2 students were found to manage time poorly and mainly focus on memorizing facts due to time constraints. Furthermore, Type 1 students showed significantly higher GPAs than Type 2 students. Student type was a significant predictor of academic achievement beyond and above students’ attribute variables including sex, age, major, and enrollment status.

Authors

• Lydia Yang Yang, Kansas State University

• Leonard B. Bliss, Florida International University