Study Process Questionnaire
Study Process Questionnaire (SPQ) · Also known as: SPQ, Learning Process Questionnaire, LPQ
The Study Process Questionnaire (SPQ) is a self-report instrument developed by John Biggs to identify the approaches and processes students use when learning. It assesses three dimensions: deep learning approach (seeking understanding and making connections), surface learning approach (memorizing and reproducing), and achieving/strategic approach (aiming for high grades). Understanding students' study processes helps educators identify learning challenges and tailor support.
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When to use it
The SPQ is used in higher education to assess learning approaches, diagnose study problems, evaluate course design and teaching effectiveness, guide student support interventions, and conduct research on relationships between learning processes and academic outcomes. It is particularly valuable in first-year courses and programs targeting deep learning development.
Strengths & limitations
- Grounded in influential learning theory (Marton and Saljo's distinction between deep and surface learning)
- Comprehensively measures both motivations and strategies, capturing the full study process
- Validated across diverse educational contexts and cultures
- Actionable: profiles directly suggest interventions to shift students toward deeper learning
- Self-report bias: students may describe aspirational approaches rather than actual study behavior
- Context variability: approaches may differ by subject, assessment type, or course design; a single measure may not capture this variation
- Assumes three distinct approaches; in reality, students blend approaches depending on circumstances
Frequently asked
Is surface learning ever appropriate?
Yes. Surface learning of foundational facts, vocabulary, and procedural knowledge is necessary, especially early in a course. The goal is to prevent surface learning from being the dominant or only approach; students should integrate surface knowledge into deeper understanding.
Can I change my learning approach?
Yes. Learning approaches are not fixed traits but responses to perceived learning demands. If you recognize you are relying heavily on surface learning, you can develop deeper strategies: read critically, connect ideas, ask yourself questions, and seek understanding rather than just memorization. Course design and instructor feedback also shape your approach.
How does SPQ relate to study skills?
SPQ measures learning approaches (why and how students study), while study skills refer to specific techniques (time management, note-taking, test strategies). Both matter; strong skills support deep approaches, but skills alone do not guarantee deep learning if motivation and understanding-seeking are absent.
Sources
How to cite this page
ScholarGate. (2026, June 3). Study Process Questionnaire (SPQ). ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/en/educational-psychology/study-process-questionnaire
Which method?
Set this method beside its closest kin and read them side by side — the library lays the books on the table; the choice is yours.
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