Using the SRQ3 Method: Increasing Your Information Retention

The SQR3 is a method commonly used in studying. SQR3 stands for survey, question, read, rehearse and review. This method takes some practice but can be extremely helpful in learning and retaining the information you are studying. This method is commonly used in Psychology but can used in almost any academic forum of study.

Survey

You will start by surveying the chapter, or taking a skim approach by briefly viewing the content and the organization of the chapter. You should have a note pad or note cards to take notes as you move through the material.

Question

To help you retain the material for later reference you should use key words or headings to create questions to answer throughout your studying process. Once you have created your question, such as "how does this material apply to my upcoming project? "spend quality time searching for that answer. Keep in mind that the better you make the questions, and the harder you work to answer those questions the more you will learn and retain.

Read

As you begin to search for the answer try to focus on the key points of the material that you know will be essential to your research. At this point you will want to read the material and focus your mind to discover the answers and read as much as you can. It may also be helpful to review the commonly asked questions or the summation of the chapter notes. Don't focus all of your time on taking notes this may actually distract you from using this method. Don't worry as much about being a speed reader, you should primarily focus your attention on the process of information retention. You may also want to keep a dictionary nearby, or utilize the glossary of the text if available to understand technical terminology or unknown words.

Rehearse

Once you have read the section sum it up in your own words. If you can reiterate what you have read into terms that you understand, you will retain the information far better than if you simply compile the information into pages of endless notes. You can also give yourself a quiz to see what you have retained. You can start by using note cards with questions you have created during the first part of your reading. This will be a great time to review what you have learned from the chapter. You can focus on what you remember and of course the information you may need to revisit. For some people it may be beneficial to recite the notes out loud. When you speak, talk in a controlled tone and listen to the words you recite.

Review

In summation you should review any notes you may have taken, along with the organization of the chapter. You should review any questions that you may feel were not answered or unclear or save them for clarification. It may be helpful for you to complete a summary page to help you with assignments. You can use the summary page in lieu of relying on the text, but refer to the text as needed.

The SRQ3 method may seem complex at first but once you use it a few times it will begin to seem like second nature. You will notice a significant difference in your study habits and amount of information that you retain and comprehend.

Reference:

Psychology Text, 3rd Ed. Myers, D.