Approaches to studying, personality and examination anxiety

Abstract

The correlates of approaches to studying (as measured by the Approaches to Studying Inventory) were examined in a sample of undergraduate medical students ( n = 38). It was found that “reproducing’ orientation had a number of trait correlates including Eysenckian Neuroticism (+), and that ‘achievement’ and “meaning’ orientations had correlates including Eysenckian Psychoticism (-) and Extraversion (+). Students were tested on a number of state measures a few weeks before, and again immediately before, an oral examination. Though a clear and meaningful pattern of change emerged, this could not be predicted from approaches to studying.