Gillian Herold

Professor Zugnoni
UWP 1Y
28 October 2016
Source Summaries
What Else Do College Students do While Studying?
Charles Calderwood, Phillip L. Ackerman, and Erin Marie Conklin conducted a study
which investigated college students multitasking or distractions frequency. In order to calculate
how frequently students became distracted they observed students using an eye tracker, remote
cameras, and a point-of-view camera while studying with breaks and other technologies around.
Scientists discovered that on average students become distracted 35 times while studying. But
also each distraction took about 26 minutes of the students time which was one fifth of their
study session. The results also showed that they chose media as a form of distraction. However,
those who listened to music while studying received higher grades than those who didnt.
For example, students at the 25th percentile of distraction duration only averaged 9 min
engaged with distractions, and did not listen to music at all. In contrast, students at the 75th
percentile averaged 36 min engaged with distractions, and listened to music for an average of
140 min while studying.
In the current study, more frequent and longer duration multitasking behaviors were correlated
with lower homework task motivation and lower self-efficacy to concentrate on homework,
while higher negative affect was linked to a greater multitasking duration across the session.
Study Habits of Undergraduate Students
A research study by Dr. Sanjay Kumar discusses the definition of study habits, good
habits, bad habits, and the pros/cons of such habits. The research study is important as educators
are concerned about students accumulating knowledge and lack of study skills. In the article
Kumar discusses what are some good study habits: different study environments, practice,
sufficient sleep, good attendance, and great time management. Therefore, bad habits are the
complete opposite as Kumar observed: loud places, busy environments, tired mind, staying up

till odd hours, and cramming. As mentioned, it is not just about how students learn concepts but
also how it is taught. Therefore, Kumar stresses the importance of instructors usage of learning
goals, quizzes, and regular assignments to reinforce the material being taught to college students.
Study skills encourage areas such as work attitudes, time management, homework strategies
and test-taking skills.

Works Cited
Calderwood, Charles, Phillip L. Ackerman, and Erin Marie Conklin. "What Else Do College
Students do While Studying? An Investigation of Multitasking." Computers &
Education 75 (2014): 19-29. ScienceDirect. Web.
Kumar, Sanjay, Dr. "Study Habits Of Undergraduate Students." International Journal of
Education and Information Studies 5 (2015): 17-24. Web.