The Best Study Methods for Psychology Students

At a Glance

• Employ research-backed study strategies to enhance your comprehension of psychology and succeed academically.

Introduction

Psychology courses can prove challenging, especially for beginners. The sheer volume of information students are expected to grasp can be overwhelming.

An introductory psychology course covers the philosophical roots of psychology, social statistics, biological influences, experimental methods, social behavior, personality, research techniques, and therapeutic approaches.

As a psychology student, developing effective study habits is vital for understanding new theories and concepts.

Research-Backed Study Methods for Psychology Students

By implementing a few fundamental study tips, you can learn new concepts and theories effectively. These skills and routines will likely benefit you in all your courses.

1. Create a Study Plan

• Creating a study plan is key to staying on track with your learning.
• Set a timeline: The time required for studying varies depending on the topic. However, allocate specific times each week to review class materials.
• Design a schedule: Ideally, create a schedule dedicating time blocks to each of your courses.
• Utilize the two-hour rule as a guideline: Generally, for every hour spent in class, allocate two hours of your own time to studying the material.

2. Apply Research-Supported Study Techniques

• Engage in critical thinking: Effective studying goes beyond simply reading assigned texts and skimming notes.
• Take active notes: As you read through materials, identify and record key points.
• Self-test: After completing an assigned reading, quiz yourself on the material learned.
• Try self-explanation: To ensure a thorough understanding of definitions and concepts, attempt to explain them in your own words, essentially teaching yourself.
• Summarize main points: After working through the material, identify the core concepts.
• Repeated retrieval: Research suggests that recalling information multiple times is more effective than trying to retrieve it only once.
• Space out study sessions: Rather than cramming everything into a single session, spread your studying over multiple days at various times.
• Interleaved practice: While dedicating a study session to a specific concept is beneficial, consider working on related ideas during the same session.
• Engage all your senses: You may discover that you have a preferred learning style that works best for you.

3. Make Class Time Count

• Prepare for class: Read assigned chapters before attending class.
• Be ready to participate: With a solid understanding of the material, you can actively engage in class discussions.
• Listen to others: Pay attention not only to your professor or lecturer but also to your classmates' contributions.
• Take effective notes: Your psychology class notes should summarize what you learned in class, not transcribe everything discussed by your instructor or classmates.

4. Collaborate with Others

• Find a group: Review sessions with classmates or joining a study group can enhance studying.
• Teach others: One way to gauge your grasp of a topic is by teaching it to someone else.

Examples of Effective Study Strategies

• Maintain a running list of developmental theories.
• Use flashcards to test yourself on key psychology terminology.
• Create a study plan based on the two-hour rule.
• Construct charts, mind maps, or other visuals of the study material.
• Once you've covered the material and tested yourself, ask a friend if you can teach them about it.

Dealing with Exam Cramming

• Prioritize the topics you intend to study.
• Review class notes and required readings.
• Answer questions about the material in your own words.

Conclusion

Effective study habits are essential for success in psychology courses. By implementing these research-backed study methods, you can enhance your understanding of psychology and improve your grades.