Elizabeth Gomez

Professor Popoli
Psychology 101
March 8, 2016
Study Skills Assignment
One of my problematic areas is in concentration. I probably have a problem with
concentration when I study because I never had to in high school or middle school and I
always got good grades so when I have to study I get distracted pretty easily. One way
I can improve my concentration is by setting a study goal. I would set a certain amount
of time to study and slowly keep increasing my study time. Another way is by making
studying a habit, so each day set a certain time to study and then eventually with time it
will become habitual and easier to start studying without distractions. I usually like to
study while listening to music and I think its because of the lifestyle I live and the
generation I live in. A way I can strengthen my concentration is by going to a specific
place to study that is quiet and has good lighting. I will definitely try to study without any
music and I never thought about the good lighting factor either which I guess could
make you somewhat sleepy if the lights are too dim.
The second area I have a problem in is writing skills. In the beginning I get pretty
overwhelmed because I never know how to start a paper. The reason to this is because
Ive just always had trouble starting my essays. One recommendation given to start with
the introduction is to begin with a general statement and then from that create a thesis
statement. I have never thought about making a general statement before my thesis

and that is the part I have the most trouble with, so next I will try that. I always put my
essays off until the day before they are due. The reason behind this is because I
procrastinate a lot and Ive been doing it since I can remember and I havent gotten a
bad grade yet. I can better my essays if I plan and organize them ahead of time instead
waiting till the last minute. I have been working on this and I seem to be doing better.

Time Scheduling
1. Y__ N_x_ I spend too much time studying for what I am learning.
2. Y_x_ N__ I usually spend hours cramming the night before an exam.
3. Y__ N_x_ If I spend as much time on my social activities as I want to, I don't have enough time
left to study, or when I study enough, I don't have time for a social life.
Concentration
4. Y_x_ N__ I usually try to study with the radio and TV turned on.
5. Y_x_ N__ I can't sit and study for long periods of time without becoming tired or distracted.
6. Y__ N_x_ I go to class, but I usually doodle, daydream, or fall asleep.
Listening and Note Taking
7. Y__ N_x_ My class notes are sometimes difficult to understand later.
8. Y__ N_x_ I usually seem to get the wrong material into my class notes.
9. Y_x_ N__ I don't review my class notes periodically throughout the semester in preparation for
tests.
Reading
10. Y__ N_x_ When I get to the end of a chapter, I can't remember what I've just read.
11. Y__ N_x_ I don't know how to pick out what is important in the text.
12. Y_x_ N__ I can't keep up with my reading assignments, and then I have to cram the night
before a test.
Testing and Exams
13. Y__ N_x_ I lose a lot of points on essay tests even when I know the material well.
14. Y__ N_x_ I study enough for my test, but when I get there my mind goes blank.
15. Y_x_ N__ I often study in a haphazard, disorganized way under the threat of the next test.
Reading
16. Y__ N_x_ I often find myself getting lost in the details of reading and have trouble identifying
the main ideas.

17. Y__ N_x_ I rarely change my reading speed in response to the difficulty level of the selection,
or my familiarity with the content.
18. Y_x_ N__ I often wish that I could read faster.
Writing Skills
19. Y_x_ N__ When my teachers assign papers I feel so overwhelmed that I can't get started.
20. Y_x_ N__ I usually write my papers the night before they are due.
21. Y__ N_x_ I can't seem to organize my thoughts into a paper that makes sense.